At 120 years old, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra looks younger than it has in decades. It has a robust social media presence. It regularly premieres newer works, whether it’s compositions by music director Lucas Richman or from another contemporary American composer. And it loves craft beer.
Specifically, local craft beer — so much so, that the BSO has partnered with Geaghan’s Brewing Company to offer Maestro’s Märzen, a German-style lager that will celebrate the orchestra’s 120th season. The specialty beer will be unveiled at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Geaghan’s Brewing in Brewer, the day before the BSO’s second concert in the 2015-2016 season, “Beethoven & Friends,” set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono.
BSO executive director Brian Hinrichs said collaborations such as this beer, or other programs like its music series at Nocturnem Drafthaus during ARTober, or the Music & Wellness program at Acadia Hospital, are key to expanding the BSO’s core audience. Hinrichs, BSO development director Sarah McCarthy and Geaghan’s development and marketing director Lisa Sturgeon stumbled across the idea of combining Beethoven and beer last year.
“Projects like this… bring the symphony to the attention of new audiences and let them know that we are attuned to the community beyond the concert hall. We believe strongly that a concert of Beethoven and Schubert can speak to anyone, but not everyone will believe that without first encountering us in a space or medium that’s familiar to them,” said Hinrichs. “It’s also another way for the BSO to contribute to Bangor’s growth and new vibrancy. Do you want to live in a city where a craft brewery and a symphony collaborate? I personally do.”
The beer itself is inspired by classical music’s German roots, which the concert on Nov. 22 will highlight, with music from Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven planned.
“[It’s] a slightly copper German style lager with slight caramel and crystal malt highlights and a full bodied, yet dry mouth feel,” said Geaghan, who has also collaborated on special beers for local organizations and events, such as the Tap Into Summer Ale they brewed for the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s Beer Festival last summer.
At the beer unveiling on Nov. 21, beer and music lovers will be treated to a performance from violinist Elena Urioste, who the next day will be the guest soloist for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major at the Sunday concert. Also at the Sunday concert will be a performance of Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, which happened to be on the very first program the BSO ever performed back in 1896.
Maestro’s Märzen will be available at Geaghan’s Pub in Bangor and the Geaghan Brothers Brewing Tap Room in Brewer after the Nov. 21 release. Additional restaurants carrying the new brew will be announced later in November. Tickets for the Nov. 21 release party may be purchased online at bsobrew.brownpapertickets.com. A portion of all ticket sales and pours purchased at the event will benefit the BSO. Tickets and more information on the BSO’s Nov. 22 concert, Beethoven & Friends, may be found at bangorsymphony.org
