December 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2024 in Warren, Newport, Grafton, and Manchester, Vermont

Burlington, VT – December 2, 2024 – The Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents its beloved Brass Quintet concerts in collaboration with Counterpoint, a Montpelier-based choral chamber music ensemble. The family-friendly program will combine festive brass and vocal music for all ages to enjoy and celebrate the holiday season.

“The Brass Quintet and Counterpoint concerts are one of VSO’s favorite holiday traditions,” said Elise Brunelle, Executive Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. “We look forward to bringing this year’s program to communities across Vermont to spread holiday cheer and enjoy festive music together.”

Nathaniel J. Lew will conduct the concerts, which will feature VSO musicians Shelagh Abate, horn; Mark Emery, trumpet; Ryan Noe, trumpet; Matthew Wright, trombone; and Zachary Grass, tuba. 

The program features a mix of sacred and secular holiday tunes—carols such as Hark the Herald Angels Sing, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and O Holy Night; and an international flavor with Greek, Catalan, and Mexican music. The VSO Brass Quintet will also perform the world premiere of a piece entitled “The Great Ice Field” by Music-COMP student Harrison Brown, a Stowe High School senior. 

VSO’s premieres of works by Music-COMP students stretches back more than ten years, and fulfills a mission to showcase the variety and depth of music created by young Vermonters. “My inspiration for composing ‘The Great Ice Field’ was a sub-genre of heavy metal music as well as a frozen lake scene in Elden Ring, one of my favorite video games,” said Harrison Brown. “As a Music-COMP student, I have always wanted to write a piece for the VSO and I am so happy I finally got the opportunity.” 

Performance Details:

• December 12, 2024 at Warren United Church in Warren, 7:00-9:00 PM
• December 13, 2024 at United Church of Newport in Newport, 7:00-9:00 PM
• December 14, 2024 at Grafton Community Church in Grafton, 5:00-7:00 PM
• December 15, 2024 at Manchester First Congregational Church in Manchester, 4:00-6:00 PM
  • Singers from Burr & Burton Academy will join this concert in Manchester.

The December 12 performance in Warren is dedicated to the memory of Virginia Roth, a passionate music lover and supporter of the holiday concerts in Warren, Vermont, for many years. 

Information and tickets for these concerts can be found at vso.org.

About the Vermont Symphony Orchestra:

Celebrating its 90th anniversary with the 2024/25 season, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra is a cultural cornerstone in the region, enriching communities and the lives of Vermonters statewide. With a commitment to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement, the VSO has established itself as one of the country’s premier state orchestras. For more information about the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and to purchase tickets for this concert series, please visit VSO.org.