The magic of Christmas is something that transcends time and space. It is a time when the world seems to slow down and people come together in a spirit of joy and goodwill. The holiday is filled with traditions that give it a unique and special atmosphere. One of the key elements of the magic of Christmas is the spirit of giving. The act of giving, whether it be gifts or acts of kindness, is deeply ingrained in the tradition of Christmas. It brings people together and reminds us of the importance of generosity and compassion.
Thank you to the PSO for making the MAGIC happen in 2020. Here's to all being back in the Merrill together in 2021.
Special guests for this year s performance include Alyson Cambridge, soprano; James Kennerley, organ; Magic of Christmas Chorus; Portland Ballet; and Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus. Festival of Trees , a display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees that will transform the Merrill Auditorium lobby into an enchanting winter wonderland during the run of Magic of Christmas.
It brings people together and reminds us of the importance of generosity and compassion. Another aspect of the magic of Christmas is the sense of wonder and awe that it inspires. From the beautiful decorations to the twinkling lights and festive music, there is a sense of enchantment that can be felt in the air.
Ho, ho, ho, it’s magic: Magic of Christmas in Maine
Tickets for the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday extravaganza, the Magic of Christmas, always go quickly, so act quickly if you want to score primo seats for the season’s primo show. The 2010 Magic of Christmas lineup features PSO Music Director Robert Moody leading the PSO in a program of familiar holiday hits. Expect music, dance, theatrical readings, the Festival of Trees, and plenty of holiday hoopla. Eleven performances are scheduled between Dec. 10-19 at Merrill Auditorium. Tickets range $25-55 (plus any applicable fees); kids save $10, seniors save $5.
Highlights:
• Maestro Robert Moody leading the Portland Symphony Orchestra in a festive and inspirational program of classical and popular holiday hits.
• Joe Cassidy portraying Scrooge and all the voices in A Christmas Carol and performing the Irving Berlin classic White Christmas and other seasonal favorites. Cassidy has been seen on NBC’s Law & Order as well as on Broadway as Freddy in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and in 1776, Les Misérables and A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. As a concert soloist he has performed with many symphony orchestras around the country.
• Soprano Suzanne Nance as featured vocalist, joining Joe Cassidy and Robert Moody for a newly-discovered trio from Nutcracker, The Oratorio. Nance has performed recitals across Maine in Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Blue Hill and Bangor and in concert with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra as well as the PSO. Recently, she performed in Prague, London, Philadelphia, Chicago and New York. Nance also produces and hosts MPBN’s Morning Classical music program.
• The addition of the Fezziwigs, along with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Be, to the cast of larger-than-life puppets from Figures of Speech Theatre in the unforgettable condensed adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
• Angelic voices of the Saco Bay Children’s Choir singing “Somewhere in My Memory” from the hit movie Home Alone, and joining the all-volunteer Magic of Christmas Chorus for inspirational carols and holiday tunes.
• Traditional favorites including “Sleigh Ride,” when the PSO players try to outdo each other with their festive and comical attire, and the inspirational audience sing-along when patrons can lift their own voices in celebration of the season.
• Magic of Christmas Dancers portraying multiple roles in A Christmas Carol and also forming a Rockettes-style kickline of dancing Santas.
• Pre-concert performances by students from the Maine Suzuki Association (Dec. 12 and 19 at 1 p.mm.) and Ray Cornils at the Kotzschmar Organ Prelude Concert (all other performances).
• Festival of Trees, a display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees that will transform the Merrill Auditorium lobby into an enchanting winter wonderland during the run of Magic of Christmas. Twelve local businesses have donated their creative talents to decorate their own uniquely festive tree.
I think everyone in my family will still dress in our holiday best as we watch the PSO from the comfort of our living room. And yes, there will be the traditional sing-a-long at the end of the show which means everyone in my family will get to hear how bad a singer I REALLY am!
Children, in particular, are captivated by the magic of Christmas, and their excitement and joy are contagious. The magic of Christmas is also deeply rooted in tradition. From decorating the tree to exchanging gifts to gathering with loved ones for a special meal, these rituals create a sense of continuity and connection to the past. It is a time when families come together and create lasting memories. Perhaps one of the most magical aspects of Christmas is the belief in Santa Claus. The idea of a jolly man in a red suit delivering presents to children around the world is a source of wonder and delight. Even though the belief in Santa eventually fades as children grow older, the magic of Christmas lives on in our hearts. Overall, the magic of Christmas is something that cannot be fully explained or quantified. It is a time when love and joy are celebrated, and the spirit of giving and generosity is embraced. It is a time when ordinary moments become magical, and the world seems just a little brighter. The magic of Christmas is something that is truly special and unique..
Reviews for "The Pso Magic of Christmas: Reflecting on the Year and Setting Intentions for the Future"
1. John - 1 star - "I was really disappointed with 'Pso magic of Christmas'. The plot was weak and predictable, and the acting was subpar. The characters lacked depth and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the special effects were unimpressive and the overall production quality was low. I had high hopes for an enjoyable Christmas movie, but unfortunately, this one fell flat."
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "I didn't enjoy 'Pso magic of Christmas' as much as I had hoped. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to believe in the characters and their emotions. The pacing was also quite slow, making the movie drag on for what felt like an eternity. While the concept had potential, the execution fell short. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this movie if you're looking for a heartwarming Christmas experience."
3. Michael - 1 star - "What a disappointment! 'Pso magic of Christmas' was a poorly written and poorly acted film. The storyline lacked originality and was filled with clichés. The performances were wooden, and the chemistry between the characters was non-existent. I found myself checking my watch throughout the movie, hoping for it to end. Save your time and watch something else this holiday season."
4. Emily - 2 stars - "I had high expectations for 'Pso magic of Christmas', but unfortunately, it did not meet them. The film was filled with cheesy dialogue and predictable plot twists. The acting was mediocre at best, with uninspired performances from the main cast. While there were a few heartwarming moments, they were not enough to salvage the overall experience. I would recommend seeking out other Christmas movies that offer more substance and entertainment."