Description

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) “Family Matinees” chamber music series returns Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. with “Carnival of the Animals” performed by the PSO Principal Winds at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, NH. The quintet will be joined by guest student violist Rachel Anaya Stevens.

The September 30 concert will take audiences on a whimsical musical journey as the enchanting melodies of Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals” come to life in this captivating performance. PSO Principal Winds is comprised of Aubrie Dionne, flute; Sarah Krebs, oboe; John Ferraro, clarinet; Melissa Grady, bassoon; and Orlando Pandolfi, horn.

Guest student musician Rachel Anaya Stevens began her study of classical viola at the age of eight. As a five-time Alabama All State Orchestra participant, Anaya performed with the Etowah Youth Orchestras in Gadsden, Alabama, under the direction of conductor Michael Gagliardo from 2015 to 2023. In her freetime, she enjoys going to concerts, playing guitar, and spending time with her tuxedo kitty, Jinx. Anaya is a homeschooled high school senior and now resides in Dover with her family.

“The ‘Family Matinees’ series is part of the PSO’s ongoing mission to encourage the audiences and musicians of today and tomorrow,” said Aubrie Dionne, PSO Outreach Director. “The chamber music repertoire is widely varied and is the perfect way for music lovers of all ages to experience classical music.”

Subsequent concerts in the “Family Matinees” series include “Masterpiece Transcriptions for Brass Quintet,” on November 11, 2023; “Bach’s Toccata and More!” on January 27, 2024; and “Fables in Harmony: A Musical Journey with the Tortoise and the Hare” on April 27, 2024. All concerts take place at 3:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 101 Chapel Street in Portsmouth, NH. Each performance will feature members of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and will include a special guest performance by a youth string musician from the area.

There is a $15 suggested at-the-door donation per family. For full program details or to purchase tickets, visit www.portsmouthsymphony.org.