Upcoming Events

Join us 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 from the 800-year-old manuscript containing poems and other dramatic texts that are distinctly irreverent, bawdy, and satirical. They were mostly written in Latin, composed by clergy and students while traveling around Europe. The texts focus on themes that resonate as loudly today as they did in the 13th century: the fickleness of wealth and fortune, the ephemeral nature of life, the joy of the return of Spring, and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gambling, lust, and gluttony. Orff composed music for 24 of these–of which the first, O Fortuna, has become iconic through its use in movies and other popular culture. The voices of ChoralArt, joined by top high school choirs from around Maine and other local choirs, stunning soloists, percussion, and the 7101 pipes of the Kotzschmar Organ join forces with Municipal Organist James Kennerley for this world premiere transcription performance. James will perform a solo organ work to begin the performance.

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, harsh shadows, and sharp-pointed shapes forms the backdrop for the story of the insane hypnotist, Dr. Caligari, who manipulates one of his patients to commit murders while sleepwalking. Like all films from this time, there is no sound recorded with the movie itself. Municipal Organist James Kennerley, hailed for his imaginative movie accompaniments, will improvise a live musical score to this most Halloweeny of silent films.

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 classics, from traditional carols to modern favorites. As always, there will be some entertaining holiday surprises!

Join James Kennerley, Portland’s Eleventh Municipal Organist, for a performance of music composed by the High Priest of the organ: Johann Sebastian Bach. Born on March 21, 1685, Bach was renowned during his lifetime as a “world-class organist” – more famous for his virtuosic organ playing than for his compositions. Bach’s organ music has captured the minds of performers and audiences for generations ever since. This concert includes works based on Bach’s name (BACH spells the musical notes B♭-A-C-B♮) by Johannes Brahms and Franz Liszt as well as masterworks by Bach himself, including the powerful Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, and selections from the “Great Eighteen” Leipzig chorale preludes.