Mannheim Steamroller

Published 4:00 am Friday, December 4, 2009

’Tis the season for holiday music, and one of the most popular artists hitting the airwaves is Mannheim Steamroller.

In 1984, founder Chip Davis released “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.” Featuring a blend of Renaissance instruments with rock ’n’ roll beats, the album has sold more than 9 million copies, according to a press release.

Celebrating the group’s 25th anniversary, Mannheim Steamroller will present two concerts (4 p.m. and 8 p.m.) on Dec. 19 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland.

Performed with members of the Oregon Symphony, the show features contemporary interpretations of yuletide favorites along with the group’s leading-edge multimedia effects, according to a press release.

The group is currently promoting its retrospective 2-CD set, “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas — 25th Anniversary Collection.” Featuring guest performers Johnny Mathis, Paul Winter, The Cambridge Singers and members of The Chicago Symphony and The Omaha Symphony, the album includes “Joy to the World,” “The First Noel,” “Winter Wonderland” and “The Christmas Song.”

Grammy Award-winner Davis, a third-generation musician, is based in Omaha, Neb. Trained on the bassoon and percussion, Davis has written, arranged and recorded over 35 albums, including eight in the “Fresh Aire” series, 18 Christmas albums and compilations, four Halloween albums and many more to celebrate special occasions and holidays.

Davis has sold over 40 million records, 27 million in the Christmas genre, according to a press release. Mannheim Steamroller is considered one of the top 50 biggest selling musical artists of all time.

Tickets range from $25 to $100, depending on seat location. To purchase tickets, contact Ticketmaster at 866-866-4502 or visit www .ticketmaster.com.

For more information on Davis and Mannheim Steamroller, visit www .mannheimsteamroller.com.

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