ChoralArt is excited to announce the world premiere of FIRE!, its most ambitious commissioned work to date, on March 22 and 23, 2025, at Woodfords Congregational Church. Composed by Travis M. Ramsey, this powerful new oratorio tells the dramatic story of Portland’s Great Fire of 1866 and the unwavering resilience of the city and its people in the aftermath of disaster.

FIRE! follows the emotional journey of a soldier returning home from the Civil War, only to be confronted by the devastating fire that swept through Portland shortly after the war’s end. The oratorio embodies the essence of Portland’s motto, Resurgam—“I shall rise again”—highlighting not only the destruction wrought by the fire but also honoring the profound strength and perseverance of its residents. This monumental work marks a significant artistic milestone for ChoralArt, offering a poignant exploration of survival, unity, and the human spirit.

“This world premiere is a tribute to the past, present and future of Portland,” says Lauren Yokabaskas, ChoralArt’s Artistic Director. “FIRE! is a reflection on the power of community and resilience in the face of tragedy—a theme that continues to resonate today, more than 150 years later.”

The performance will also feature Mozart’s Mass in C Major, a masterpiece from the composer’s early years that combines intricate choral and orchestral harmonies. The pairing with FIRE! offers a seamless blend of classical and contemporary, creating an unforgettable musical experience that is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Enrich Your Experience with These Engagement Activities:

To deepen your understanding of the history behind FIRE!, ChoralArt invites you to take part in several events leading up to the premiere:

Pre-Concert Lectures with Herb Adams – A Deeper Dive into Portland’s History

Before each performance of FIRE!, join Herb Adams, former Maine legislator and expert on New England history, for a special pre-concert lecture at 2:00 pm. Herb will explore the historical context of the Great Fire of 1866 and its impact on Portland’s recovery, providing valuable insight into the themes of the oratorio.

Lecture with Maine State Historian, Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr.

Tune into a pre-recorded lecture by Earle G. Shettleworth, Maine’s esteemed state historian, as he delves into the origins, path, and aftermath of the Great Fire of 1866. Presented in collaboration with the Maine Historical Society, this lecture offers a rich historical backdrop for the events that reshaped Portland.

FIRE! Walking Tours with Greater Portland Landmarks

Saturday, March 1, 2025 – 10:00 AM
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 10:00 AM
Saturday, March 15, 2025 – 10:00 AM

Join ChoralArt and Greater Portland Landmarks for an informative walking tour of Portland’s Old Port, the area devastated by the Great Fire of 1866. Guide Alessa Wylie will share fascinating insights into the destruction and recovery of this historic district.

Limited spots available; register by emailing Ann Dillon at manager@choralart.org.

FIRE! & Factoids Trivia Night at Three of Strong Spirits

Thursday, March 13, 2025 – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us at Three of Strong Spirits, located at 35B Diamond Street, for a lively trivia night hosted by Mike from Hardly Trivial. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fun historical trivia, and prizes in a relaxed setting. Teams of 2-6 players welcome; RSVP required.

Social Media Scavenger Hunt

Follow @choralart on Instagram and Facebook for an interactive scavenger hunt! Fireman Bob will post photos from key historical sites around Portland—guess the location correctly, and you could win two free tickets to the FIRE! concert on March 22 or 23!

Tickets and Information

For tickets and more information, please visit choralart.org or call 207-828-0043. 

About ChoralArt

ChoralArt is a vibrant musical organization dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of Portland and its surrounding communities through extraordinary choral performances, innovative artistic collaborations, and stimulating outreach activities. Since our founding in 1972, we have passionately advanced the art of choral music, blending artistic excellence with meaningful community engagement.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Lauren Yokabaskas

Administrative Director

lauren@choralart.org

207-632-8855