The University of Southern Maine’s Osher School of Music opened its 2026-27 season on Sept. 18 with the second Annual President’s Concert at the Crewe Center for the Arts on USM’s Portland campus. The concert brought alumni back to the university’s newest performance space to share the stage with current students, celebrating the connections between generations of USM musicians.
The event follows last year’s inaugural concert, which was tied to the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Crewe Center. Organizers envision it as an annual season opener that reintroduces alumni to the school of music, now in a building that opened after many of them graduated, when the program was still based in Corthell Concert Hall in Gorham.
This year’s program paired returning graduates with current students across the school’s ensembles and reconnected alumni who had not shared a stage in years.
“This was Heather Hastings and Sophie Flood’s first time playing together even though they’ve known each other for years,” said Lee Hartman, director of advancement and outreach for the arts. “Our alumni wind quintet of all-stars said how much fun it was and they want to do more of it.”
Heather Hastings ’13
Mike McGinnis ’95
Hastings ’13, who performed on horn with the alumni wind quintet, said returning to USM is still meaningful years after graduation.
“Coming back to USM always feels like coming home,” Hastings said. “No matter the season, year, campus, or building, I have always found USM to be a friendly and welcoming space.”
McGinnis ’95, who built a decades-long career composing and performing in New York, said seeing the school of music flourish meant a great deal.
“USM was the place that I was first exposed to music in a way that made me want to become a musician and it makes me so happy that the music school is finally receiving much deserved support from the community,” McGinnis said.
The Annual President’s Concert opens a full slate of Osher School of Music performances this season, including ensemble concerts, faculty recitals, and guest masterclasses. A complete schedule is available on the USM calendar of events.