​Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Welcomes​​ Artist-in-Residence O’Donnell​

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) welcomes vocalist Taylor O’Donnell as Artist-in-residence for the 2016-2017 season. The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Artist-in-residence program offers performers, artists, educators, composers and all manner of creative people time and space away from their usual environment in order to reflect, research, present and/or produce music, according to a press release.

The program allows the individual to explore his/her practice within the community of a local symphony orchestra; meet new people, use new materials, experience and grow through the classical music genre.

During the 2016-2017 season, O’Donnell will be presenting tunes related to the atmosphere of each PSO mainstage concert that highlight her contemporary sound. From singing instrumental wordless vocal lines to delving into traditional folk and jazz tunes, this collaboration will aim to unify and showcase our music community.

“Taylor O'Donnell is an ideal fit for PSO's newly created Artist-in-residence program, which was inspired by the Seacoast’s thriving local music scene and our desire to bring these talented performers together with the classical community,” noted John Page, Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director. “Taylor feels totally at home in many styles and ensembles ranging from R&B to folk, jazz to symphony orchestra and is a glowing example of the diverse artistic life of Portsmouth and the Seacoast. She is also deeply committed to music education, a commitment entirely sympathetic with PSO's mission. I'm really excited to see where this wonderful partnership will lead us."

O’Donnell will be giving a special performance following the concert on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at the PSO’s season launch party, “Music Building Community” from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Music Hall Loft. Tickets are $10 and include hors d'ouevres, cash bar, and a chance a chance to bid on a conducting experience with the PSO during their holiday pops concert.

A Colorado native and current Seacoast resident, O’Donnell is a contemporary vocalist who mainly uses her roots in classical vocal performance, musical theater, jazz, folk and R&B. She has studied and worked with Diana Spradling (renowned jazz pedagog) Fred Hersch (Grammy award-winning composer and pianist), Grammy nominated vocalists Peter Eldridge and Lauren Kinhan, and New Hampshire native, Lila Mori. O’Donnell studied composition with celebrated trumpet players and composers, Dave Douglas and Terence Blanchard. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University, and graduated with a Master's Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami.

Individuals interested in a residency for the 2017-18 season should submit their resume and a paragraph stating their interest to info@portsmouthsymphony.org by March 31, 2017.

Submitted by Caroline Amport Piper.