Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

March 18

Portland orchestra offers city magnificent treasure

I am writing to send my congratulations to the Portland Symphony and to the city that obviously cherishes this wonderful cultural asset.

I had the great pleasure of conducting the symphony on March 24 and was tremendously impressed with the extraordinary level of musicianship, talent and dedication to excellence that seem to be a hallmark of the orchestra. The leadership of Maestro Robert Moody, Executive Director Ari Solotoff and Artistic Administrator Carolyn Nishon have helped to create a solid and vibrant cultural organization in this region.

An orchestra like the Portland Symphony is a treasure to the community – a beautiful mosaic of talent that is an enormous artistic, educational and economic resource.

Its health and vitality define your region as a community that understands that a great city needs and deserves a great orchestra.

I congratulate the board and the citizens of the Portland region for supporting and nurturing a superb symphony.

In challenging financial times, it is even more important for us to affirm that music is a vital part of our lives and is at the core of the continual reinvigoration of the human spirit.

Please continue to cherish and care for your extraordinary symphony!

JoAnn Falletta

Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony

Buffalo, N.Y.