Published: October 20, 2025
On October 3rd, the University of Southern Maine marked a historic milestone with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Crewe Center for the Arts, followed by the inaugural President’s Concert, a dazzling evening of music, community, and celebration. The event, held in the Crewe Center’s Performance Hall, showcased the immense talent of USM’s music faculty, alumni, and current students.
The concert featured a lineup that brought together generations of the Osher School of Music community. Alumni performers included Pershing’s Own Principal Trombonist MSG Sam Woodhead ‘96, soprano Mia Love ‘21, and New York City vocalist Katie Oberholtzer ‘20, whose return to campus added a spirit of pride to the evening.
Distinguished faculty members Dr. Laura Kargul, Dr. Anastasia Antonacos, and Dr. Robert Lehmann also took the stage, representing the world-class artistry and mentorship that define the Osher School of Music.
Students of Dr. Laura Kargul, Grant Kelly, and Mackenzie Renner performed a piano duet that demonstrated the talent of the next generation of USM musicians. The Osher Chamber Singers, under the direction of Professor Emeritus, Dr. Robert Russel, also performed.
USM President Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson’s former piano professor from her early undergraduate days at Penn State, Dr. Steven Smith, also graced the stage. His performance added a deeply personal and sentimental note to the evening, symbolizing the lasting impact of mentorship and the shared joy of musical connection across generations.
The Crewe Center’s new Steinway Spirio pianos were also showcased at the concert, highlighting the center’s state-of-the-art technology. The Spirios, which are high-resolution, self-playing Steinway grand pianos, can precisely recreate performances with remarkable accuracy in touch and dynamics. These instruments bridge artistry and technology, allowing listeners to experience live reproductions of legendary performances as if the artist were at the piano themselves.
The evening served not only as a concert but as a testament to the power of music and the strength of the Osher School of Music community. As university leaders celebrated the Crewe Center’s official opening, the inaugural President’s Concert reflected the vibrant future that lies ahead for the arts at USM, one built on collaboration, creativity, and shared passion.
Now standing as a cornerstone for music and visual arts at USM, the Crewe Center symbolizes both growth and gratitude for the generations of artists who have helped shape its legacy. The inaugural President’s Concert offered a fitting and unforgettable beginning to this new chapter in USM’s artistic story.
