Uplift is on the agenda for the Portland Symphony Orchestra as they return for another year of “Magic of Christmas” concerts at Merrill Auditorium.

A large helping of secular and sacred music was on offer Sunday, along with the voices of the Magic of Christmas Chorus, a guest soprano, a bit of storytelling and occasional rumbles from the Kotzschmar organ.

That was enough to lift the spirits of all but the most determined Grinch in the crowd. Then along came members of the Cirque de la Symphonie to offer a serious “wow” factor as they climbed ropes and drapes of fabric until they were suspended high above the stage. Separate and together, the duo gracefully performed feats of strength and agility as the musicians played on below.

Conductor Robert Moody, with Assistant Conductor Andrew Crust acting as chorus master, led a musical program that nicely balanced the traditional pieces with some less-often-heard fare. Among the latter was a selection from Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” which moved from a delicate opening through an exotic middle phase to a festive “Shepherd’s Dance,” all the while revealing the richness of the orchestral palette and the symphony’s command of it.

Conductor Robert Moody conducts the “Magic of Christmas” concert. Photo by Mical Hutson

A French carol brought soprano Elisabeth Marshall to the stage in a striking red gown. “Quelle est cette odeur agreable?” developed an emotive theme through variations that called upon the chorus and orchestra to respond to the singer’s strong lead before all joined for a soaring finale.

Marshall scored again later with her take on “O Holy Night,” and the chorus stepped forward for the “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah.

“Sleigh Ride” brought things briefly back to earth, with PSO brass members jocularly jazzing it up. Then, Tania Holt and Alexander Fedortchev of Cirque de la Symphonie returned for a seemingly weightless duet on high as the orchestra played the “Waltz of the Flowers” from the Nutcracker.

Ray Cornils added heft here and there on the organ, and Matthew Laberge dramatically read a nativity text set to a transfixing work by Ravel.

With festive stage decorations, excellent lighting effects, humorous and heartfelt words from Moody and, most of all, some fine performers, this “Magic of Christmas” lived up to its name.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.

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