Conductor of the 44th Magic of Christmas Eckart Preu on Stage of Merrill Auditorium Today.

“The holidays are a time for family, friends, and community,”  said Eckart Preu, Music Director, in his introductory remarks at the Magic of Christmas concert this afternoon. The articulate Preu said that the  sentiment omitted from that spirit is peace – a hope for peace. And with two wars in another part of the world, peace is currently on the minds of so many at this holiday time.

With that said, Preu launched the 44th annual Magic of Christmas concert with Carol of the Bells, composed by Mykola Leontovych, a Ukrainian composer.  This tribute to peace in Ukrain elicited  sustained applause from the packed Merrill Auditorium in Portland.

Another original feature of the 2023 ooncert was the conductor’s chit-chat with Santa Claus following the intermission.  Santa assured the audience that no AI will ever replace him which received more sustained applause at Merrill.  Santa also admited that he goes to the beach during his time off where he fishes.  But he throws any fish back he might catch because he  prefers to eat cookes – no surprise to parents used to providing Christmas Eve snacks for Santa.  He also said that adults tend to be naughtier than children so they receive fewer gifts – of course an exception are those attending the concert this afternoon.  Conductor Preu’s gift for gab was well showcased during this segment of the concert.

An opportunity to hear the beauatifil voice of soprano Susie Pepper was an attraction that drew this blogger to attend the annual Christmas concert.  It was her third appearance at the 44th Magic of Christmas.  She didn’t disappoint!  With all of the wonderful music of the  season including the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah, this blogger urges readers to attend the concert. It runs through December 17, 2023.  There’s time!