July 2-9—The Vermont Symphony Orchestra announced its seven-concert 2017 Summer Festival Tour running July 2-9. While covering every corner of the state, the program will highlight America’s musical melting pot, featuring music written by immigrant composers across the globe, around the theme of this year’s tour: E Pluribus Unum. “Our TD Bank Summer Festival Tour recognizes the breadth of cultures and heritages that formed the foundation of our union,” said VSO Executive Director Benjamin Cadwallader. “Music and art have always brought us closer to one another, defining us by our shared human existence. In that spirit, as well as the diversity that continues to unite and inspire our communities, we celebrate unequivocally that together we are one.”
To honor the great American melting pot, guest conductor Christopher James Lee chose traditional Fourth of July standards and composers from five different countries, including the unique piece, “Speak,” by Syrian-born composer Kinan Abou-afach, now living in Philadelphia. “We are honored that award-winning Conductor Christopher James Lees can take an extended stop on his world travels to spend this much time in Vermont,” said Cadwallader. ”We are particularly touched by his musical choices that remind us that strength, beauty, and creativity endures; even in the face of division.”
This year’s summer tour will also feature world-renowned bandoneon player Hector Del Curto, who appears with the VSO through a new partnership between the VSO and the Stowe Tango Music Society. Hector make his VSO debut performing works for Bandoneon and orchestra by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla.
Tickets for all venues are available on the VSO website: vso.org/event. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and will close with fireworks for a picnic-perfect evening for all ages.
Tour dates:
July 2: Riley Rink, Manchester
July 3: Grafton Ponds, Grafton
July 4: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne
July 6: Mountain Top Inn, Chittenden
July 7: Okemo Resort, Ludlow
July 8: Three Stallion Inn, Randolph
July 9: Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow, Stowe
Photo by William Jalbert
Fireworks are a part of the finale for all Vermont Symphony Orchestra concerts part of its Summer Festival Tour. This year’s tour sees seven concerts around the state.
