The Portland Symphony Orchestra will sell its remaining stock of tickets to "Magic of Christmas" for $25, the orchestra announced Monday.

The orchestra received an anonymous gift, enabling it to drop ticket prices for the approximately 4,000 tickets still available for the remaining eight "Magic" concerts at Merrill Auditorium.

Merrill seats about 1,800 people.

Tickets originally cost between $25 and $55.

The gift was in direct response to the current recession, said Gordon Gayer, president of the orchestra's board of trustees.

"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," Gayer said in a statement.

"With this donation, we are able to do that, while still ensuring 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."

Tickets to all shows are available through PortTix, the box office at Merrill Auditorium.

Bruce Hangen, who helped launch "Magic of Christmas" 29 years ago, is conducting this year's concerts.

Remaining concert times are 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

For tickets call 842-0800 or visit www.porttix.com.

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