Repertories

Repertories

Classical Music

Students interested in classical music have many opportunities at Bowdoin, both as performers and in the classroom. Lessons are available on piano, voice, and all the orchestral instruments. Chamber Ensembles, Orchestra, and Concert Band are all regular and lively performing opportunities. The Midcoast Symphony orchestra, which performs in next-door Topsham, offers four concerts of standard symphonic repertoire every year, and welcomes student string players. Our upper level music theory courses (Tonal Analysis and Tonal Composition) teach approaches to and understanding of the standard repertory. We also offer a wide variety of courses on classical music at various levels, from James McCalla’s introductory courses on the Beethoven Symphonies or the Verdi opera, through middle-level seminars like Mary Hunter’s recent course on the Mozart operas, to upper level seminars on such subjects as Bela Bartok or Franz Schubert. Well-known guest artists in the classical sphere regularly appear at Bowdoin; they range from the  group Doulce Memoire, specializing in medieval music, to the Diaz trio, playing works by Beethoven and Dohnanyi. Portland also boasts a symphony orchestra, a concert series featuring world-class soloists, and at least one touring opera every year.