Due to inclement weather, the performance of Dawnland to the Planets on Sunday, 1/25 at 2:30pm was RESCHEDULED to 1:00pm and the performance on Monday, 1/26 at 7:00pm was CANCELLED.

Current ticketholders: You were contacted directly by the Portland Symphony Orchestra with more information regarding these changes.

Please Note: PortTIX will be CLOSED Monday, 1/26. We will return to regular hours and respond to any inquiries  beginning Tuesday, 1/27 at 11am.

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Portland Symphony Orchestra

DEBUSSY,
STRAVINSKY,
& RAVEL

Sounds of the Ballets Russes

Tickets are currently on sale as part of a subscription package only.

Eckart Preu, Music Director

PROGRAM
Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune
Stravinsky Petrushka
Rossini-Respighi La Boutique Fantasque
Ravel La Valse

In 1909, the Ballets Russes formed in Paris, championing in a groundbreaking era for artistic collaboration among choreographers, designers, dancers, and, of course, composers.

The program pays tribute to this influential moment in music history beginning with Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the afternoon of a fawn). Simultaneously gentle and revolutionary, from the first notes of its famous flute solo, it turned music on its head with its highly impressionistic form.

Providing musical juxtaposition to Debussy are two musical imaginings of inanimate objects brought to life: Stravinsky’s Petrushka, the story of a puppet who becomes real, and Rossini-Respighi’s La boutique fantasque (The Enchanted Toyshop). Where Stravinsky plays with tonality and rhythm, creating dramatic and driving music, Rossini-Respighi provides a counterbalance of light-hearted, fanciful charm.

Rounding out the program is Ravel’s La Valse, a colorful and sweeping tribute to the Viennese waltz, with an immense orchestration.

RUN TIME: approximately 2 hrs including intermission

ADULT and CHILD & STUDENT prices are available online for this event.
GROUP 10+ is available via phone & in-person only.
Per ticket service fee is based on a percentage of the ticket price.

Tuesday, May 18, 2027 7PM

Venue

Merrill Auditorium

View details

merrill
auditorium

A beautifully restored 1,900-seat performance venue, this majestic hall is one of the gems of Portland’s downtown Arts District and close to plenty of restaurants to grab a bite before the show.

Merrill Auditorium is owned and operated by the City of Portland.

Wheelchair Accessible
Assisted Listening Devices
Concessions
Nearby Parking
Security Check
Address

Merrill Auditorium
20 Myrtle Street
Portland, ME 04101

Plan your visit

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Accessibility
Information

How can I purchase accessible tickets to performances?
What types of accessible seating do you offer?
How soon before the performance should I purchase accessible seating?
What services are offered for the hearing impaired?
Are the bathrooms at Merrill wheelchair accessible?
Is there an elevator at Merrill?
Is there Accessible Parking at Merrill?
Are service animals allowed at Merrill?
What if I have questions at Merrill on the night of the show?

WAYS TO SAVE

Portland Symphony Orchestra Subscription

2026-27 Tuesday Classical

Tuesday Evening Concerts at 7:00pm

Find out more

Portland Symphony Orchestra Subscription

2026-27 Classical complete

Tuesday Evening Concerts at 7:00pm and Sunday Afternoon Concerts at 2:30pm

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Portland Symphony Orchestra Subscription

2026-27 Compose your own 

Flexible Package of 3 of more PSO Events

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A photo of the inside of Merrill Auditorium showing three levels of seating filled with people in the seats

group sales

Experience the joy of live performances with your friends and family.

Groups of 10+ receive a discount on tickets and flexible reservation options.

Group Inquiry