Ch-Ch-Ch Changes! Borrowing a page from David Bowie’s 1971 classic for this summer edition of Encore, because, yes, we’re moving, folks!

We’re busy relocating to our new home at 320 Cumberland Avenue in Portland and are excited to take you behind the scenes in this edition. Packing boxes and setting up new studios, we’re reminded that late August into September is a fresh start for so many, including students and teachers, friends in the performing arts kicking off new seasons, and well, anyone with young people in their lives! How could we resist a “Back to School” meets “Fresh Start” themed newsletter?

Sarah shares her top picks for music to study to, our resident caffeine enthusiast, Gale, unpacks the connection between Bach and the humble cup o’ joe, and Heather traces the line from your favorite Hollywood composers back to two legendary music teachers. And, finally, Emily gives you a first peek into our new studios!

As we begin a new era on Cumberland Avenue, we are renewed by the wonder and unifying power where music and radio meet. We’re grateful to the people of Maine sharing in its magic alongside us. ❤

~ Heather McDougall, Manager, Maine Public Classical

Our locally produced programs are at the heart of Maine Public Classical. They celebrate our wonderfully rich and diverse cultural community in ways you can’t experience anywhere else.

Through Maine Stage, Songbook and State of the Art, we connect you to the exceptional artistry and innovation in classical music world, from the local to the global, and to the leaders and makers across the arts spectrum, and across the state. Here’s what we have in store!

Too busy to catch your favorite host every week? Heard a piece of music but missed the end or didn’t catch the title?

Not to fear! The best news is here. Locally hosted programs on Maine Public Classical are now available to listen back to for up to two weeks after the date of broadcast. There are two ways to access program listen back.

• Go to the Listen Back page, a central location to access all programs available for two-week playback.

• Or, go to the specific webpage for the show you have in mind and find listen back there.

In selected editions of Encore, we’ll share staff picks from the Community Calendar. In step with our theme for this Summer edition, three learning focused picks below!

• Wendell Gilley Museum Wood Carving Workshop (9/17)

• Puppets in Portland 2026 Festival Workshops (9/20-9/27)

• Great Apple Maine Day Fruit-Tree Workshops in Unity (10/26)

Have a question for a host? Is there something you’d love to read about in a future edition of Encore? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].