2008-2009 News
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BRUCE HANGEN RETURNS TO PORTLAND TO CONDUCT PSO’s 2008 “MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS”
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Bruce Hangen
PORTLAND, Maine – Magic of Christmas, the holiday tradition beloved by three generations of New Englanders, this year celebrates its roots by welcoming Magic’s “original” conductor, Bruce Hangen, back to the podium. Featuring the renowned artistry of the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and many special guest organizations and artists, Magic of Christmas is Maine’s favorite musical celebration of the holiday season.
This year’s program honors seasonal traditions from around the world. From classic American favorites like Leroy Anderson’s “Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” to selections from England (Rutter’s “The Twelve Days of Christmas”), France (Hector Berlioz’s “L’Enfance du Christ”), Russia (Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker), Germany (Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah), Nigeria (Betelehemu, a traditional carol) and even Jingle Bells with a Brazilian flair.
Sharing the stage with the world-class artistry of the Portland Symphony will be the all-volunteer Magic of Christmas Choir, Windham Chamber Singers, and members of Maine State Ballet and Portland Ballet. Critically acclaimed tenor Matthew DiBattista lends his vocal talents and Suzanne Nance, Music Director of the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) narrates. Portland’s Municipal Organist Ray Cornils will perform the Kotzschmar Organ Prelude concert an hour before each performance.
Bruce Hangen was PSO’s Music Director for ten seasons (1976 through 1986), and he conducted the debut performances Magic of Christmas in 1980. Hangen is a founder of Portland’s PORTopera and was its first artistic director. He is currently Director of Orchestral Activities at the Boston Conservatory and was principal guest conductor of the Boston Pops from 2002 to 2006.
Sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets, IDEXX Laboratories, KeyBank, and Northeast Delta Dental, a total of thirteen performances will run December 12 - 21. Tickets to all shows are currently still available. Prices range from $20 to $60, with special pricing available for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more also receive special pricing and personalized assistance.
For tickets call PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com, and new this year, the website offers real-time online seat selection. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. For complete season information, including artist biographies and program notes, visit www.portlandsymphony.com.
This year’s program honors seasonal traditions from around the world. From classic American favorites like Leroy Anderson’s “Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” to selections from England (Rutter’s “The Twelve Days of Christmas”), France (Hector Berlioz’s “L’Enfance du Christ”), Russia (Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker), Germany (Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah), Nigeria (Betelehemu, a traditional carol) and even Jingle Bells with a Brazilian flair.
Sharing the stage with the world-class artistry of the Portland Symphony will be the all-volunteer Magic of Christmas Choir, Windham Chamber Singers, and members of Maine State Ballet and Portland Ballet. Critically acclaimed tenor Matthew DiBattista lends his vocal talents and Suzanne Nance, Music Director of the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) narrates. Portland’s Municipal Organist Ray Cornils will perform the Kotzschmar Organ Prelude concert an hour before each performance.
Bruce Hangen was PSO’s Music Director for ten seasons (1976 through 1986), and he conducted the debut performances Magic of Christmas in 1980. Hangen is a founder of Portland’s PORTopera and was its first artistic director. He is currently Director of Orchestral Activities at the Boston Conservatory and was principal guest conductor of the Boston Pops from 2002 to 2006.
Sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets, IDEXX Laboratories, KeyBank, and Northeast Delta Dental, a total of thirteen performances will run December 12 - 21. Tickets to all shows are currently still available. Prices range from $20 to $60, with special pricing available for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more also receive special pricing and personalized assistance.
For tickets call PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com, and new this year, the website offers real-time online seat selection. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. For complete season information, including artist biographies and program notes, visit www.portlandsymphony.com.
