James Kennerley, Portland Municipal Organist Join James Kennerley, Portland’s Eleventh Municipal Organist, as we celebrate the birthday of the greatest composer for organ, Johann Sebastian Bach. According to contemporary accounts, he was able to play music with his two feet that many musicians struggled to do with their ten fingers. Born on March 21, 1685, Bach’s… Read more »
Monday, December 19, 2022 7:00PM | Merrill Auditorium James Kennerley, Portland Municipal Organist Join Municipal Organist, James Kennerley, the Mighty Kotzschmar organ, and special friends for this most Christmassy of musical celebrations. James is joined by renowned soloists and instrumentalists, including the Kotzschmar Festival Brass & Percussion ensemble. The program will include a variety of holiday… Read more »
Saturday, October 29, 2022 7:00PM | Merrill Auditorium James Kennerley, Portland Municipal Organist Hailed by critics as the first true horror film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was released worldwide in 1920. Directed by Robert Wiene, it is now considered the quintessential example of German Expressionist cinema. The fantasy-like graphic style, with high-contract images, twisted landscapes,… Read more »
Orff’s Carmina Burana | With James Kennerley, ChoralArt, and Local Choirs Sunday, October 2, 2022 3:30PM | Merrill Auditorium Join the Kotzschmar Organ for a performance of Carl Orff’s masterpiece, Carmina Burana, in a new arrangement for organ and percussion accompaniment by Municipal Organist, James Kennerley. First performed in 1937, Carmina Burana takes its title… Read more »
Richard Elliott, Principal Organist at Mormon Tabernacle Join renowned organ virtuoso, Richard Elliott, for our first annual John Weaver Memorial Concert, celebrating the late John Weaver (1937-2021), who concertized annually on the Kotzschmar for half a century and whose performances and personality were treasured by all. One of John’s finest students at the Curtis Institute in… Read more »
PortTIX was founded in February of 1997 and opened as the box office for the newly renovated (and renamed) Merrill Auditorium. The Auditorium (formerly known as City Hall Auditorium) was in desperate need of renovation, struggling with issues such as outdated seating arrangements, no formal box office, and even an issue with pigeons getting backstage… Read more »
The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ are pleased to announce their 2022-23 season! The Romantics | Saturday , July 16th, 2022 at 7:00PM | Merrill Auditorium Municipal Organist James Kennerley launches the 2022-23 season with a concert of music from the Romantic era. The nineteenth century saw a marked departure from the rationalism of the… Read more »
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS WEEK’S ROUNDUP OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND A LITTLE FUN! April 24, 2020 These items appear each week in our social media accounts. Links below. James Kennerley and the Mighty Kotzschmar! This selection is making us look even more forward to when Merrill Auditorium is open once again. Enjoy… Read more »
Christmas with Kennerley will be at Merrill this Monday, December 23rd at 7pm. Deck the halls with Portland’s Municipal Organist James Kennerley and the spectacular Kotzschmar Organ. This Portland tradition is sure to make your holidays merry and bright with Christmas cheer. Listen to favorite holiday carols performed by special guests including soprano Malinda Hasslett and tenor Jonathan… Read more »
Booty and the Beast | James Kennerley with Motor Booty Affair at Merrill Auditorium on Saturday, November 16th at 8pm. James Kennerley will join Maine disco tribute band Motor Booty Affair on stage at the Merrill for a night of 70s dance floor classics. The show will include the full 70s experience: afros, bell… Read more »