FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Kotzschmar Organ Presents Christmas with Kennerley in Music Music-Filled Celebration

Portland, November 7, 2023 — The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ is thrilled to announce its program "Home for the Holidays" just in time for the celebration of the Christmas season on December 19, 2023

Portland's finest musical celebration of the holidays, Christmas with Kennerley, will be held in Merrill Auditorium on Tuesday, December 19, 2022. James Kennerley, world-renowned musician and Portland's municipal organist, will welcome the 2021 and 2023 Kotzschmar Memorial Scholarship Winner Soprano, Mia Love, as the headlining soloist; Horizon Voices, a local performance-based music education program, will also join James on stage in celebration of our local youth musicianship. In addition, Maine's favorite host and award-winning News Center Maine  journalist, Amanda Hill, will join FOKO for its local star-studded evening.

From the Mighty Kotzschmar Organ's five-keyboard console connected to over 7100 pipes, Kennerley will lead a program that includes a variety of Christmas classics, from traditional carols and Messiah favorites (including the beloved annual sing-along of "Hallelujah Chorus" with the entire audience) to premieres of exciting new works. Soprano soloist Mia Love, a rising star soloist in Portland, will charm and thrill Portland audiences with her singing. Merrill Auditorium will also be filled with the beautiful voices of the K-12 children and young adults who are Horizon Voices members.

"I am giddy with excitement at this year's Christmas with Kennerley," said James Kennerley. "Music provides much-needed light, beauty, and healing for our communities and the world. This Christmas, we can share the spirit of holiday music again! The 7,101 pipes of the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ have been thrilling audiences for over 110 years, and we are excited to present this fun-packed family favorite with some amazing guest performers. I can't wait!"

Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ will also continue the traditional Sock (and Glove!) Drive, in a community-minded nod to Kennerley's penchant for wearing fun, colorful socks when he plays the organ. All collected items will be donated to Preble Street. Concertgoers may bring socks and gloves to Merrill Auditorium on the night of the concert, or for information on how to deliver the socks to Preble Street, please click here. Please note that socks of all kinds are welcome, but athletic, warm socks are requested. Preble Street also requests donations of durable, warm gloves and mittens (preferably waterproof and NOT knitted).

Deena Metzler, Receiving Center Coordinator at Preble Street, a human service agency that empowers people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty, said, "Socks and gloves are the most requested garments at Preble Street and in shelters nationwide."

Schedule

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2023

Time: 7 pm - Christmas with Kennerley

Venue: Merrill Auditorium

Tickets: Available at: PortTIX.com

For More Information: Visit Foko.org

or contact Sophie Bray, Administrative Director (assistant@foko.org )

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sophie Bray

Assistant@foko.org

207.449.0277

About Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ:

The Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ is a dedicated organization passionate about preserving the rich history and musical legacy of the Kotzschmar Organ. They celebrate the organ's remarkable role in enhancing various artistic experiences through concerts, events, and educational programs.

Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ

P.O. Box 7455

Portland, ME 04112

https://foko.org