Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Family Matinees chamber series concludes with ‘Brandenburg and Beyond‘
PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Family Matinees chamber concert series concludes on Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m. with “Brandenburg and Beyond” at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth.
The New England-based group, Brandenburg and Beyond, will perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 featuring the PSO’s Adam Gallant on piccolo trumpet and Sarah Krebs on oboe. Directly after the concert, the PSO will welcome young audience members to join in an interactive and hands-on instrument demonstration.
Brandenburg and Beyond is a baroque ensemble featuring a combination of flute, oboe, harpsichord, and strings. The ensemble performs classic baroque works as well as music written in this century. The resident harpsichordist, Chris Gantner, is a composer who frequently premiers new works specifically for the group. This concert features his Concerto Grosso.
There is a $15 suggested at-the-door donation per family. For PSO season subscribers, admission is free. For full program details, visit www.portsmouthsymphony.org.
Fiber Art exhibit at the Franklin Gallery
ROCHESTER — The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main St., Rochester, will host “Oh The Things You Can Do”, featuring fiber art created by local artist Peg Doyle. The exhibit will run for the month of May. This exhibit is open to the public during RiverStones Custom Framing hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Doyle is a quilter and fiber artist, working out of her studios in Acton, Maine and Hingham, Massachusetts. She has been creating fiber art for 20 years and continues to build her art skills through study and practice. She brings her collection to the Franklin Gallery hoping to inspire others to try fiber art. The exhibit includes weaving, fabric collage, pictorial and landscape art, wall art quilts, and painting on fabric.
For information about this exhibit and other RiverStones events and services, call (603) 812-1488, or send an e-mail to riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com.
Young Organist Collaborative to host spring concert May 17
PORTSMOUTH — The Young Organists Collaborative will hold a spring concert on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal, 43 Pine St., Exeter. The concert will feature performances by student organists currently studying with the support of the Young Organist Collaborative.
The concert program features a variety of works for organ performed by the eleven first year and three second year students who were part of the 2024-2025 program.
The Young Organist Collaborative encourages and supports young people ages 11-18 in learning to play the pipe organ by awarding scholarships for organ lessons with a qualified local organist in the tri-state area of northern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and southern Maine.
Scholarships for first year participants cover the full cost of 16 lessons with an organ faculty member. In addition to regular lessons, YOC scholarship recipients are offered opportunities for further exposure to the pipe organ through field trips, masterclasses, or other enrichment opportunities.
Funded by private donations, the YOC has provided scholarships for organ lessons to more than 140 young musicians since 2001.
The concert is open to the public. There is a suggested at-the-door donation of $10 per person. For more information, visit www.youngorganistcollaborative.org.
Prescott Park Arts Festival announces the return of the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick-off
PORTSMOUTH — Prescott Park Arts Festival announces the return of one of New England’s most beloved traditions — the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival, presented by Avery Insurance — now in its 38th year and set to kick off the summer season on Saturday, June 7, in scenic Prescott Park, downtown Portsmouth.
As the unofficial start to summer on the Seacoast, the Chowder Festival invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate the region’s rich culinary legacy with an array of mouthwatering chowders from local chefs and restaurants — all competing for the prestigious Golden Ladle.
Festival-goers will enjoy tastings from local restaurants, live music from local talent, and family-friendly activities, as well as treats like ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade, and hush puppies from The Prop — the Festival’s onsite kitchen and concessions stand.
Tickets are $20 per person, with a buy-one-get-one offer available to Arts Festival season passholders. All attendees must secure a ticket to participate in the tasting to ensure there’s enough chowder for everyone. Plus you can pre-order delicious farm-fresh oysters from Virgin Oyster Company! The live music and family activities side of the event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit PrescottPark.org. Tickets are available at PortsmouthNHTickets.com. With attendance capped and high demand expected, early ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Season passholders receive earlyaccess to tickets before they open to the general public.