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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

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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?
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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

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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.

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