Midcoast Symphony brings Myths and Magic to Topsham, Lewiston

The Midcoast Symphony Orchestra will present "Myths and Magic," a family-oriented concert that opens with Mozart's Magic Flute overture and includes works by Sibelius, Tan Dun, Humperdinck and Dukas, plus selections from Howard Shore's score for Lord of the Rings. Performances will take place Jan. 17 at the Franco Center in Lewiston and Jan. 18 at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham, giving Midcoast and Sagadahoc County residents two nearby chances to attend.

The Topsham performance includes a 1:15 p.m. open rehearsal before the concert, where audience members may sit on stage on a first-come, first-served basis. That participatory element is part of MSO's education and outreach framing, designed to make orchestral music more accessible to families and school-aged listeners. The program's mix of familiar classical overtures and cinematic themes aims to engage multiple generations, from children hearing Mozart for the first time to adults drawn by film-score favorites.

Tickets and short-season subscription options are available through the orchestra; pricing and subscription details have been provided by the MSO to accommodate both single-event visitors and those seeking a smaller seasonal package. For Sagadahoc County residents, the Topsham date offers particular convenience: Orion is within easy reach for Bath and Topsham households and provides an afternoon educational opportunity as well as an evening performance.

Beyond immediate entertainment, the program reflects broader trends in regional orchestras: blending established repertoire with film and contemporary works to broaden audiences and deepen community ties. Open rehearsals and family-friendly programming are practical tools for audience development, lowering barriers to classical music and creating pathways for school visits, student musicians, and informal music education.

Local businesses and restaurants may see modest spillover benefits from concertgoers traveling into Topsham for the event, especially on a weekend evening. For families, the onstage rehearsal is an inexpensive way to introduce children to orchestral instruments and performance etiquette in a less formal setting than a full concert.

If you plan to attend, check the MSO box office or website for ticket availability, subscription choices and start times. Myths and Magic offers Sagadahoc residents a chance to experience orchestral repertoire that spans centuries and genres, and the open rehearsal provides a tangible, close-up way to connect young listeners to live music.