“This fall season is an excellent representation of the range of USM’s faculty and Maine’s home grown talent; it is breathtaking,” said Alan Kaschub, interim director of the USM School of Music. “Edgy musical theater, profound Mahler song, virtuosic piano, swinging jazz and even an outdoor band concert all will happen in one semester.”

Kaschub noted that a considerable number of this season’s performers grew up in Maine and received their early training either at USM or in the surrounding community.

“The opening faculty concert features a trio of Maine natives, and it sets the stage for a season that reminds us all that Maine is a great place to learn to be a musician,” he said.

The USM Faculty Concert Series will include performances by Anastasia Antonacos, USM artist faculty in piano, along with two Maine musicians, Patrick Doane on violin and Ben Noyes on cello; Laura Kargul, USM professor of music and director of keyboard studies, celebrating her 25th anniversary of teaching at USM with a piano concert of Schubert, Brahms and Liszt; and Micah Mario, USM artist faculty in trumpet, and Barry Saunders, USM artist faculty in saxophone, joined by the USM Faculty Jazz Ensemble for a concert of fresh arrangements and original jazz works.

“Laura Kargul’s 25th anniversary concert will be a great milestone, and it will be a celebration of decades of excellence both in her performances and in the work with her students,” Kaschub said, also noting that Antonacos, Mario and Saunders are USM alumni.

“Spring Awakening” will be presented Oct. 31-Nov. 2, directed by Edward Reichert, lecturer in musical theatre, with musical direction by Kellie Moody, USM School of Music alumna. The eight-time Tony Award-winning musical, named 2007 Best Musical, is a provocative journey through the turbulent exhilaration of the teen years. Featuring an electrifying score by Duncan Sheik, the show explores the highs and lows of the hormone-infused transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Two concerts and the annual gala will be presented in Portland. The USM Instrumental Youth Ensembles will perform their annual fall concert at the Merrill Auditorium; and the USM Chamber Singers, conducted by Robert Russell, USM professor of music, will usher in the warmth of the holiday season with “Joyous Sounds for a Festive Season” at Williston-Immanuel Church on High Street.

The 24th Annual Scholarship Gala, “More Than a Little Night Music,” held at the Abromson Community Center, Portland campus, will offer a new twist on the presentation of the evening. Guests will be treated to gourmet wine and food pairings, dessert, an espresso and cappuccino bar, and standout performances by acclaimed School of Music student ensembles. The gala also will include a raffle, a silent auction and a live auction.

Information about additional events, can be found at www.usm.maine.edu/music.