PORTLAND – In response to the recession, an anonymous gift has been made to the Portland Symphony Orchestra to help subsidize “Magic of Christmas” concerts the weekend before Christmas. About 4,000 seats across the eight remaining shows, originally ranging in price from $25 to $55, are now available for $25.

“This generous donation allows us to continue our efforts to make ‘Magic of Christmas’ and all our concerts as accessible as possible to our entire community,” said Gordon Gayer, PSO board of trustee president. “With this donation, we are able to do that, while still insuring income that is so critical to the PSO’s survival. During this time when people are so concerned about the economy, now everyone has an opportunity to come and experience the gift of great music and holiday cheer.”

Remaining performance dates and times: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; and 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Concerts take place at Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St.

For tickets, call PortTix at 842-0800 or log on to www.porttix.com (a $5-per-ticket PortTix fee will be applied to all phone and Internet orders). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St. from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.