Participation in Symphony activities includes events and gatherings beyond simply attending concerts. The PSO hosts a variety of events, each of which serves as a unique opportunity to interact with fellow friends of the Symphony while contributing support and enjoying unique experiences.

Annual Wine Dinner & Auction

Argentinian Wine Dinner & Auction
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Harraseeket Inn, Freeport
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The PSO Wine Challenge & Auction has been a fixture on the Portland calendar of “must do” events since 2000. It was the brainchild of Jeff Kane, a Portland Symphony Orchestra Board member and CEO of National Distributors. Along with Sam Hayward, Fore Street chef and nationally known food guru, they conceived of an event in which a selected winery would select wines for each course and the participating chefs would create a dish to complement the wine.

Typically the wines in any given year are from the same country or region and have included New Zealand, Portugal, Italy, Chile, California, France, Sicily and Sardinia, and Australia.

Restaurants and chefs who have participated in the past include:

Rob Evans, Hugos; Lee Skawinski, Cinque Terre; Jonathan Cartwright, The White Barn Inn; Sam Hayward, Ken Thomas & Brant Dadaleares, Fore Street; Nat Beriau and Theda Lyden, Harraseeket Inn; Clark Fraisier and Mark Gaier, Arrows; Larry Mathews, Back Bay Grill; Steve Corry, Five Fifty-Five; Brian Hill, Francine Bistro; Josh deGroot, Newcastle Inn; Adam White & Jodi Geiser, Hurricanes; and Bryan Dame, The Edge

Held at the beautiful Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, the Wine Challenge & Auction showcases an array of desirable silent and live auction items, including jewelry, artwork, international trips, and exclusive chef dinners. The Annual Wine Dinner and Auction is an important fundraiser for the Symphony.

Designers’ ShowHouse & Preview Gala     
The Symphony’s largest fundraising event, Designers’ ShowHouse takes place on alternating years and features a home of particular architecural, aesthetic, or historic interest or significance. Dozens of designers collaborate to apply their creative talents to transform a home into a showcase for the community to view. Over 5,000 people attend the ShowHouse each run, and the opening Preview Gala is an elegant affair. Special events take place throughout the ShowHouse month.

Parties of Note
The Symphony hosts smaller events with a musical component during the summer, beyond the fall to spring concert season. Whether the event takes place within a private home or a local museum, concert-goers enjoy a quality musical experience beyond Merrill Auditorium stage.


The following are exclusive, invitation-only events that are open to donors and supporters of the Symphony.

Conductor’s Circle Party          
Each year, members of the Conductor’s Circle gather within the home of a fellow member to enjoy music and fellowship within an intimate setting. This event serves as an important way of thanking our most
generous supporters of the Symphony.

Post-concert Receptions
These gatherings immediately follow select concerts and take place within the Rehearsal Hall. A great opportunity to discuss the performance, interact with musicians, guest artists and conductors, and fellow patrons, the post-concert receptions serve as the perfect way to conclude the concert-going experience. These events are open to all or limited to select donors, depending on the events schedule.

Open Dress Rehearsals
Prior to each concert, the orchestra rehearses several times with the conductor in order to deliver music of the highest quality. Some select rehearsals are designated for special donor admission. Observing an orchestra rehearsal is a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the conductor and musicians perfect their product!

For more information about Special Events, please call 773-6128 or email us today.