Lipkin began his tenure. He was the first resident conductor and began the Youth concerts. The orchestra was involved with Voice of America broadcasts, including a broadcast to Kyoto, Japan. From 1967–75, Paul Vermal was the main conductor. He conducted a five-day Canadian Tour. He also introduced outdoor concerts and concert previews. The Portland Symphony Orchestra developed a national reputation for its artistic quality during Bruce Hangen's subsequent tenure. He helped expand educational programs which attracted children of all ages. He also created and developed the Portland Symphony Chamber Orchestra. His administration lasted from 1976–1986. Toshiyuki Shimada took over in 1986. He tightened the orchestra's grasp of symphonic masterworks and deepened its commitment to youth and family programming, while building higher on the firm music foundations left by his predecessors. Robert Moody was the 12th Music Director of the Portland Symphony from 2008-2018. He was a champion of new music, particularly the work of Mason Bates, and began the Discovery Concert series for families. Eckart Preu has been named the 13th Music Director of the Portland Symphony and began his tenure as Music Director in the 2019-2020 season. 1956-1958 Guest Conductors: Samuel Seineger Rouben Gregorian Attilio Poto Francis Findlay 1966-1967 Guest Conductors: Charles Gabor Elyakum Shapiro Maurice Kaplow Andrew Galos Andrew Galos Paul Vermel 1975-1976 Guest Conductors: Michael Palmer Michael Charry Claude Monteux Bruce Hangen Maurice Kaplow Richard Williams Tibor Pusztai 1985-1986 Guest Conductors: Robert Bernhardt Toshiyuki Shimada Robert Page Catherine Comet Paul Polivnick References External links Official site PortTIX Box Office Seating Chart for Merrill Auditorium American orchestras Musical groups established in 1923 Musical groups from Portland, Maine Wikipedia requested audio of orchestras Performing arts in Maine