PORTLAND — Magic of Christmas returns to Merrill Auditorium this year as the Portland Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 35th anniversary of its annual holiday concert. Audiences will be surrounded by the sounds of the season at the performance, conducted by PSO Music Director Robert Moody and Assistant Conductor Norman Huynh. This year’s Magic of Christmas welcomes the return of the Organ Prelude with Ray Cornils on the newly refurbished Kotzschmar Organ.
The concert is filled with traditional favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and classics from The Nutcracker, as well as rhythmic pieces from the music of African tribes and the ever-popular “Let it Go” from Frozen. This year’s Magic will feature performances from the Magic of Christmas Chorus, directed by Richard Nickerson; vocalist Susie Pepper; the Simply Three string trio; Ray Cornils on the Kotzschmar Organ; the Falmouth Library Ukulele Ensemble (FLUKES); the Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm percussion and vocal ensemble; and dancers from the Maine State Ballet.
The Organ Preludes begin one hour before each concert, with the exception of the Sunday, Dec. 14 concert at 1 p.m., which features a pre-concert performance by students from the Maine Suzuki Association.
The Magic of Christmas Chorus, made up largely of members of the Portland Community Chorus, will join the PSO for these special holiday concerts. The Magic of Christmas Chorus is led by Director Richard Nickerson, who is past-president of the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and has been director of choral activities at Windham High School for the past 26 years, where he conducts three choirs and teaches courses in music theory, music history, guitar and music industry.
Vocalist Susie Pepper is a two-time winner of FOX23’s “Maine Idol,” and her incredible vocal ability helped her earn the title of “Miss Maine” in 2009. She performs around New England, most notably with her own Susie Pepper Quartet and with The Jim Ciampi Band.
Simply Three is a young trio of musicians with old school training and an innovative sound. From classical to Coldplay, the group has been recognized for its ability to flow seamlessly between genres, winning over audiences along the way. Through covers of popular songs and collaborations of some of the world’s most creative musicians, Simply Three has revitalized enthusiasm for instrumental music among young listeners.
Ray Cornils, Portland’s municipal organist since 1990, has extensive experience as a musical instructor; he serves on the faculty at University of Southern Maine and Bowdoin College. He has performed at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia’s famed Wanamaker Organ.
The Falmouth Library Ukulele Ensemble (FLUKES), founded by PSO horn player Nina Miller, is made up of over 45 musicians, who play together weekly and spread their ukulele tunes through southern Maine. Their repertoire contains everything from Hawaiian ballads to rock ‘n’ roll.
Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm, is an all-women’s percussion and vocal ensemble dedicated to cultural diversity, education, and healing through the universal language of music. For 25 years, the group has been blending western vocal harmonies with polyrhythms of West Africa, the Middle East, and Brazil. Members of the group have studied with master drummers around the world, and share their education through their own performances and lessons.
The Maine State Ballet Company, comprised of over 25 dancers, trains and performs throughout the year under the guidance of Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele. Her specific method of teaching and extensive experience provides the Company with the unique opportunity to learn the methods of legendary choreographer George Balanchine and encourages its dancers to become active, intelligent young artists who will emerge as artistic leaders in their communities.
For more holiday cheer, explore PSO’s concert online extras: Sleigh Ride and memories of 30 years of Magic of Christmas, online at PortlandSymphony.org.
Tickets range from $25-70 and are available at 207-842-0800, www.porttix.com or at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
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