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B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S 54 B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T Community Impact roughout its history, the PSO has been committed to education and outreach, including its most innovative initiative which just turned 10 years young. Established in 2014, the PSO Explorers program was designed to integrate classical music directly into the Portland Public Schools system. e PSO Explorers program is one-of-a-kind, not only for the state of Maine, but on a national level as well. What makes it unique is the way it uses music to enhance and expand upon existing literacy and social emotional curriculum, allowing students to form valuable, interdisciplinary connections while interacting and learning with PSO musicians. Classroom teachers, PSO musicians and PSO staff collaborate year-round to create lessons that seamlessly incorporate music in support of overall learning goals in the classroom. Reflecting on the past 10 years, one classroom teacher recently shared that every time a PSO musician visits their school, she looks forward to "watching the expressions of excitement and joy on student faces during the lessons—totally engaged and enthralled." Having begun with the kindergarteners at Reiche Elementary School, PSO Explorers has now expanded to bring musicians into Grades K-3 at both Reiche and Longfellow Elementary School. Over the past 10 years, it has had an impact on thousands of students. Beyond the Explorers program, the PSO fosters a love for music in future generations by providing opportunities for students in Maine and beyond to experience live orchestral music. KinderKonzerts, small musician-led performances based in storytelling, bring orchestral music directly into schools, camps and community centers, while Youth Concerts give students the opportunity to attend a performance at Merrill Auditorium as a school field trip. In the 2023-24 school year, the PSO reached 24,000 students and educators throughout 400-plus educational events. For its upcoming 100 th season, the PSO is excited for its new- est endeavor — a partnership with Carnegie Hall to be the first orchestra in Maine to offer the Link Up program. "Link Up takes the PSO Youth Concert a step further, creating a fully interactive and immersive experience" says McKenzie Blanchard, PSO director of learning and community impact. "roughout the school year, students will learn pieces of music to sing, dance, listen to or play on the recorder, utilizing curriculum materials provided to schools at no cost. When the students arrive at the Youth Concert in May, they will be able to participate in the concert, creating a col- laborative musical experience with the PSO musicians on the stage." History of the PSO The roots of the Symphony can be traced back to the early 1920s when a group of local musicians recognized the need for an orchestra in Portland. In 1924, the PSO officially came into being (then known as the Amateur Strand Symphony Orchestra), marking the beginning of a journey that would see the orchestra grow in size, scope and reputation. Over the decades, the transformation of the PSO has been led by a dozen conductors and music directors, each bringing their unique artistic vision and expertise to the orchestra. Under their guidance, the Symphony expanded its repertoire, embraced new works and deepened its engagement with the community. Led today by Executive Director Carolyn Nishon and Music Director Eckart Preu, the Portland Symphony Orchestra continues its evolution to now be regarded as one of the finest orchestras of its size in the country, comprising 82 professional musicians. Preu began his tenure as music director in the Fall of 2019. Only months later, the Portland Symphony Orchestra found itself rapidly adapting to a changing landscape of the perform- ing arts. While the impacts of pandemic still resonate across the industry, the PSO found its footing early on by producing virtual performances to maintain its connection with audiences. rough W h at d o e s i t m e a n to r e a c h 1 0 0 y e a r s ? For the Portland Symphony Orchestra, it's an oppor- tunity to continue to foster growth, expand its reach and deeply engage with Mainers across the state. "When I think about what 100 years of music means, it's incredibly powerful," reflects Executive Director Carolyn Nishon. "I imagine the thousands of people working together and musi- cians moving, breathing and playing together across the years. It takes so many individuals to create something beautiful that has affected generations of Mainers." Portland Symphony Orchestra One hundred years of enriching lives through music P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F P O R T L A N D S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F P O R T L A N D S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A

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