Outer East

The Oregon Sinfonietta performs the world premiere Dr. Donald Appert’s “In Memoriam,” written in memory of two beloved Sinfonietta musicians, Carl Schnoor (viola) and William Dameron (bassoon). The concert will also feature Moeran’s “In the Mountain Country” and Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Although donations are always welcome, there is no charge to attend. The award-winning Oregon Sinfonietta, now in its 54th season and conducted by Dr. Donald L. Appert, is a full symphony orchestra of roughly 70 members that draws together community musicians from the greater Portland metro area. The Sinfonietta offers four free concerts per season.

A unique and exciting new musical performance based on Anthea Kreston’s memoir, Crescendo: Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist. In Crescendo, her enchanting and deeply personal memoir, Kreston writes about growing up in a well-to-do but difficult family in Chicago, leaving home at sixteen, studying at the ultracompetitive Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia (Hilary Hahn was a classmate), then leaving it all behind for a commune in Oregon. With a mix of thrilling violin performance and spoken word taken from her memoir, Anthea brings the audience through the journey of her life through live music and personal anecdotes.

Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme captures the special season of hope that Christmas brings to many thousands of families across the Pacific Northwest.

• Choirs in the Chapel: Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches and civic groups as they perform inside the Chapel of Mary, with its cathedral-like acoustics.
• Fun for Everyone: Continuous entertainment for all ages is offered in The Grotto’s plaza area, including outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and an assortment of musical guests.
• Puppet Show: At the top of each hour in the plaza tent, enjoy a puppet show.
• Caroling: The Grotto Carolers perform every hour at the bottom of the hour in the plaza tent. Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs.
• Snacks and Drinks: Find snacks and drinks available for purchase inside the Interpretive Center, next to the Chapel.

The Festival of Lights is a walk-through event, and visitors can expect to walk approximately a quarter of a mile. All entertainment areas are either indoors or tented; however, visitors should dress accordingly for the weather. Rubber-soled shoes, warm socks, gloves, and ear coverings are recommended, especially on colder nights. The average festival visit lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Visitors wishing to hear a specific concert should arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled concert time.