new england's live music guide
PORTLAND
MERRILL AUDITORIUM
ABOUT
Merrill Auditorium is a 1,908-seat auditorium located in the eastern section of Portland City Hall in Portland, Maine. Originally known as Portland City Hall Auditorium, it sits in the heart of Portland's Arts District at 20 Myrtle Street.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The auditorium is the primary home of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Ovations, and the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ. Resident organizations include Maine State Ballet, Portland Ballet, and Opera Maine. Programming spans symphony performances, touring Broadway, contemporary concerts, and organ recitals.
HISTORY
The auditorium was built in 1912 and underwent a major rebuild and renovation in 1997. It features the Hermann Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, a large pipe organ donated by Cyrus Curtis and built by the Austin Organ Company. It was renamed in the 1990s following a bequest from Paul and Virginia Merrill that funded the renovation.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Wednesday
- David Sedaris get tickets
Saturday
- Wabanaki Stories story time
Sunday
- Portland Symphony Orchestra: A Toot, A Boom, A Strum, A String brass beats
Monday - 5/11
- Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass brass beats
Wednesday - 5/13
- The Music Man musical night
Thursday - 5/14
- The Music Man musical night
Thursday - 5/28
- Theresa Caputo spiritual vibes