The Midcoast Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents concerts with three conductors taking the stage on Saturday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston and Sunday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham. 

The principal conductor for these concerts is Jinwook Park, who will lead “Symphony No. 5” by Mahler. This monumental work has been on hold at the MSO since March 2020, when the orchestra’s performance of it with Park conducting was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Park, who conducts the Colby College Orchestra, returns to the MSO stage. 

Noted for his enthusiastic and nuanced performances, Park likens conducting Mahler symphonies to “climbing the mountain of Everest.”  He is the founder and music director of Haffner Sinfonietta, the former music director of Philharmonia Boston, and the founder and music director of the Nine Valley Music Festival, a summer festival in Korea.

Sharing the podium will be MSO’s music director, Rohan Smith, conducting Mozart’s “Overture” to “The Marriage of Figaro;” and “Storm,” composed by Maine native Colin Britt. In addition, Jan Roberson, an audience member “Conduct the Orchestra” winner, will conduct “Pas de deux” from The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.

Topsham audience members are invited to attend a free pre-concert talk, “Meet the Music,” with Dr. Mary Hunter, Bowdoin Music Professor, Emerita, from 1:30 – 2 p.m. Sunday. 

All MSO musicians and staff members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Audience members must wear masks to attend concerts. Check the orchestra’s website at MidcoastSymphony.org for updates on Covid protocols. 

Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the concert, free for ages 18 and under and for college students with ID. Audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at MidcoastSymphony.org or by calling 207-846-5378.