ROCKLAND — The Rockland Public Library presents the Penobscot Bay Orchestra, Tuesday, August 15, at 6 p.m., on the lawn of the Rockland Public Library. This event is free and open to all. 

The Penobscot Bay Orchestra (PBO), based in Camden, is a community orchestra with the goal of supporting compassionate fundraising activities and bringing the joy of live music to the public. Players come from all over the Penobscot Bay region. Directed by Deirdre McClure (DMA, Peabody Conservatory of Music), the PBO has been performing for the community since 2021.  

This pops concert will feature two major works: excerpts from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, and two of George Gershwin’s Piano Preludes, arranged for orchestra. Other works include Paul Desmond’s Take 5, Gershwin’s “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess, and Harold Arlen’s Over The Rainbow, from The Wizard of Oz.

“Summer is a good time to enjoy the less serious side of the classical music repertoire,” says McClure, in a RPL news release. “These pieces offer a real challenge to the orchestra, and we’ve been having a lot of fun preparing these lighter and very enjoyable works. However - the music is not easy! Rhythmically, it is very challenging, and it’s a great opportunity for the orchestra to change gears and learn how to play in a completely different medium.”  

“All ages are invited to bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs from home and join us on the lawn outside the library for an evening of terrific orchestral music,” said RPL.

The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union Street, Rockland, Maine. For more information, email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov.