|
Julie Stewart led The Grotto Carolors for 30 years before retiring after the 2021 Christmas Festival of Lights season. The carolers are a very special part of the Festival each year.
When did you first come to The Grotto?
In 1992, when I was 37 years old.
What was your first impression?
I had moved to the Portland area in June and was responding to an audition ad in the Oregonian for The Grotto Carolers. It was dark and I was trying to find the auditorium below the Chapel! The first time I saw The Grotto in daylight, I was stunned by its beauty. Such a wonderful combination of peace among the trees. I loved The Grotto during the Festival of Lights, especially when it rained or snowed. The lights' reflections would sparkle.
What is your favorite place at The Grotto?
I love the Chapel because of its amazing acoustics. It’s a very spiritual place to sing because of the resonance. I sang there from 1992 to 2021. It was glorious!
What is your favorite place in the Upper Gardens?
I love the Meditation Chapel, especially on a sunny day. It’s a wonderful place to go when you want to quiet your mind from all the hustle and bustle of life.
Do you have any special memories?
During the 30 years I was involved with the Festival of Lights, it was incredibly special when friends and family came to watch me sing with my quartet, or conduct The Grotto Carolers at their concert. They were filled with the Christmas spirit, and I can remember the smiles on my parents’ faces.
I also remember sitting with my BFF Patty on a park bench after the Festival closed each night. We would sit and absorb the beauty of the lights among the peace and quiet of the evening. It was so beautiful.
I loved singing in my quartet. It’s beautiful when four unique personalities unite into a single voice. It’s special to take a well-known Christmas Carol and turn it into something exceptional by finding meaning in the lyrics when you sing.
I loved watching the babies in strollers react. Many times, it was their first time watching live music. Their faces lit up and they started bouncing and moving their arms to the music. Toddlers danced during “Jingle Bells.” Senior citizens sometimes surprised their families when they start singing “Silent Night” in German or “O Come All Ye Faithful” in Latin as the families hugged each other. It was very emotional and beautiful.
What do you love most about The Grotto?
I love my memories. I was blessed with deep friendships among The Grotto Carolers. I sang with the best of the best and we shared many amazing moments of beauty. It’s not easy singing hours of Christmas Carols outside, and we were inspired to share our love of Christmas music with the Festival
visitors.
I have since moved away and it’s doubtful that I will ever be able to return. So, I cherish my memories of the music, the beauty, and the friendships. It is the most remarkable place to experience the beauty of Christmas. I can close my eyes and hear the Carolers in my mind echoing through my soul. I was blessed to be part of the Grotto for so many years. I hope that others take the time to explore it in both the sunlight and during the beauty of Christmas.
Below: Leading the combined quartets at a closing night performance.
| 
