The Midcoast Symphony Orchestra (MSO) conducted by Rohan Smith, presents two concerts of music for the whole family on Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston and Sunday, March 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham. Musical triple threat, guest artist Wayne du Maine will be performing trumpet and piano solos, in addition to sharing the conducting podium with Smith. 

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, du Maine has been performing in the New York City area for over 30 years. Mostly known as a trumpeter, du Maine has performed and recorded with such ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera. He has also played in many Broadway shows, including the current reboot of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. With MSO, he’ll play the ever-popular Trumpet Concerto by Haydn.

Du Maine is also a fine pianist, having started college as a piano major. He will perform the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with MSO. He is currently the music director of New York University Orchestras, as well as numerous other ensembles in the New York area, and has conducted musical theater productions at Lincoln Center.

Each MSO program this season has one or two contemporary works, including music by Maine-based composers, women and other underrepresented groups. This program features “Banner,” written by Jessie Montgomery. “Banner” is a tribute to the 200th anniversary of our national anthem and MSO’s opening piece, “The Star Spangled Banner.” The orchestra will also perform the very recognizable “Light Cavalry Overture” by Suppé, Water Music Suite No. 3 by Handel, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 by Grieg, “Semiramide Overture” by Rossini, and the stirring “Star and Stripes Forever” by Sousa.

Topsham audience members are invited to attend a free pre-concert performance by the Peterson Family String Band from 1:30 – 2 p.m. Sunday. This accomplished family will perform in a variety of music styles, including classical and fiddle.

The orchestra’s second annual Winter Online Auction will be March 13–20, featuring a selection of merchandise, gift cards, unique experiences, classes, and hand-crafted items. Complete information about this fundraising event is at MidcoastSymphony.org. 

All MSO musicians and staff members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Audience members must wear masks to attend concerts, which will be at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. 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.