soprano Sarah Tuttle, left, of Portland, and pianist Bridget Convey of Hallowell. Submitted photo

Songs From Here, a Maine-based initiative supporting locally written classical vocal music, announces its third season of performances featuring soprano Sarah Tuttle of Portland and pianist Bridget Convey of Hallowell in a series of six concerts in venues around Maine.

Tuttle and Convey will be joined in performances by various local poets, who will offer poetry readings during the concerts.

Performances will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Denmark Arts Center, 50 W Main St., Denmark; at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at First Parish Church, 12 Beach St., Saco; at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Greene Block + Studios/Colby Arts, 18 Main St., Waterville; at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Olin Arts Center, Bates College, 75 Russell St., Lewiston; at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Belfast Free Library, Belfast Poetry Festival, 106 High St., Belfast; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at 317 Main Community Music Center, 317 Main St., Yarmouth.

Founded by Tuttle in 2021, Songs From Here emerged from a desire to create and perform locally written classical vocal music in Maine, for Maine audiences. Each year, Songs From Here partners with Maine’s classical composers to commission new vocal works, which are performed in a concert program presented across the state each fall.

The initiative also collaborates with Maine’s poets, who offer poetry readings as part of the musical performances. While the musical program remains the same and is offered at each venue, the featured poet changes with each performance, giving each show a unique and local feel, not to be repeated.

“Songs From Here brings together music and poetry in a way I’ve never seen before in Maine. The project is collaborative and inclusive, and seeks to connect with audiences all over the state. As a poet, it was a joy to experience the synergy that happens when artistic disciplines speak to each other on the same stage,” said award winning poet and archivist, Jefferson Navicky, a Songs From Here 2021 participant, according to a news release from the the initiative.

This fall, Songs From Here will present a program of song and poetry called Love Today.

Tuttle and Convey will perform contemporary songs about love in its many forms, exploring its complexities, its gifts, and above all, its necessity. Three of Maine’s composers will have world premieres featured in this year’s program: Erica Ball of Portland, Marianna Filippi of Thomaston/Copenhagen and emerging composer Emmalynn Craft of Cumberland.

“Love Today”also includes cabaret songs by Benjamin Britten and William Bolcom, a piece by Rene Orth that highlights the special challenges of modern parenthood, and a group of melodies by Connie Converse, who, one day, disappeared without warning, and without a trace.

Participating poets will include David Stankiewicz of Cape Elizabeth, Cathleen Miller of Scarborough and Tyler French of Waterville.

“This combination of song and poetry highlights the connection between music and the written word. It’s a unique, intimate performance experience for listeners, whether you’re a regular concert-goer or you’re looking to try something new, whether you’re coming for the music or for the poetry. The folks at the center of this project are members of our Maine community, and there’s something really special about seeing your friends and neighbors making music together. Our hope is that folks who attend our performances might be moved to make some music or poetry of their own. There’s room for everybody,” said Sarah Tuttle, director and vocalist.

For more information visit songsfromhere.com or email songsfromhereme@gmail.com.

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