The Maine Music Society was founded in 1991 to support the artistic and educational activities of two performing bodies: the Maine Chamber Ensemble and the Androscoggin Chorale. It is a nonprofit professional organization that produces an annual series of orchestral, chamber and choral music concerts, as well as educational programs for K-12 schools.
Based in Lewiston-Auburn, the society serves an ever-expanding area of central, western and southern Maine. A 15-member volunteer board of directors establishes policy and oversees society activities. The formation of the Maine Music Society was a natural outgrowth of the steadily increasing success of the two performing bodies it now encompasses.
The Androscoggin Chorale was formed in Lewiston in 1972 as a community chorus. It provided amateur vocalists an opportunity to showcase their talents in public concerts that added a new dimension to the cultural life of the Twin Cities.
In 1982, the chorale appointed Peter Frewen as music director. Under his direction, the singers honed their skills to higher and higher levels of achievement. Together, they strove for a professionalism and artistic excellence that was uncommon in a community chorus. By 1987, the chorale had attained a level that enabled it to finance and perform Mozart's "Requiem" with professional soloists and a professional orchestra. The latter was the basis of the Maine Chamber Ensemble. The chamber orchestra appeared in many concerts in the five seasons that followed, accompanying the chorus and playing orchestral works. Audience response grew increasingly enthusiastic.
In 1991, the Androscoggin Chorale's board of directors recognized this success by authorizing the formation of the Maine Music Society as an umbrella organization for the vocal and instrumental groups. A new charter was written and a new volunteer board of directors appointed to guide the ventures of this new regional performing arts organization.
The Maine Music Society has attained a solid reputation for artistic excellence. Notable achievements have included a 1994 performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which drew nearly 2,000 concertgoers to Lewiston and Brunswick; a 1992 production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors," a professionally staged, full-scale opera; and the consistent popularity of the annual "Christmas at St. Peter's" concerts. A Fifth Anniversary Festival, held in Spring 1996, celebrated the society's success. The Maine Music Society continues to provide a wide array of concert favorites to the community. More recent featured pieces include Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem.
For over a decade, Maine Music Society has presented “Battle of the Blends”. Each year, there is a line-up of popular and talented “a Cappella” groups from all over New England. “Battle” has proved to be a successful musical experience and fund-raising event.
During the Spring of 2006, the Maine Music Society was pleased to welcome John Corrie as Artistic Director. John brings a depth of experience and talent to the organization. “A Celebration of Spring”, our most recent concert at the newly renovated Franco American Heritage Center, featured the Vivaldi Gloria and other songs of joy.
The Maine Music Society operates from an office at 215 Lisbon Street, Lewiston. Leadership and administration is provided by the Artistic Director, the Board of Directors and volunteers from the general community. Concert patrons, other individuals, local professionals, businesses and corporations provide vital financial support. Together, all these members of the Maine Music Society "family" contribute to its continuing vitality.
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