Tuesday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. – CASTLETON – Entering its 90th anniversary season, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) proudly announces its 2024 summer festival tour titled “Symphony of Stars.” An annual tradition with performances in beautiful settings across the state, this year’s summer festival tour takes place July 2 through July 7 in Castleton, East Burke, Grafton, South Pomfret, Shelburne, and Stowe and features patriotic classics and more in celebration of Independence Day and the summer season.
The “stars” include three of the VSO’s principal musicians, who will be featured as soloists — Kelli O’Connor (clarinet), John Dunlop (cello), and D. Thomas Toner (xylophone). Fireworks displays will conclude the musical program on July 3 at Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center, July 4 at Shelburne Museum, and July 6 at Burke Mountain Resort. In addition, audience members young and old will enjoy the musical petting zoo interactive display with instruments from the orchestra’s string, brass, and percussion sections.
“We are thrilled to bring the Vermont Symphony Orchestra to communities across this beautiful state to share the joy of music, friendship, and the splendor of Vermont summers. I am particularly excited to showcase the exceptional talent within the VSO by featuring soloists from our own ranks, highlighting the depth and skill of our musicians. We look forward to creating unforgettable musical experiences for all who join us this summer,” said Andrew Crust, VSO Music Director and Summer Festival Tour conductor.
The full concert program includes:
Francis Scott Key – “The Star-Spangled Banner:” The program will begin with the nation’s national anthem.
Jim Stephenson – Fanfare for Democracy: Most recognized by its premiere at the 59th inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
George Green/Cahn – “Xylophonia: “An upbeat orchestral piece with a wondrous xylophone solo (feat. D. Thomas Toner, VSO principal percussion).
Sufjan Stevens, arr. Atkinson – Suite from “Run Rabbit, Run” movements I, II, IV. Inspired by Stevens’ folk-pop album, “Enjoy Your Rabbit,” these movements take on a new spin in an orchestral arrangement by Michael Atkinson.
Gabriel Fauré – “Élégie for Cello and Orchestra:” Orchestrated by Fauré in the 1880s, this piece boasts a somber opening and intense climaxes (feat. John Dunlop, VSO Principal Cello).
John Williams – “ET: Adventures on Earth:” Take a trip into the extraterrestrial world of the orchestral classic from renowned film, “E.T. The Extraterrestrial”(1982).
Erik Neilsen – “Matt’s Tune,” Ballad for Orchestra: A stunning orchestral ballad from accomplished Vermont composer, Erik Nielson.
Frank Ticheli – Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. A collection of everchanging movements with a profound focus on solo clarinet (feat. Kelli O’Connor, VSO principal clarinet).
Margaret Bonds – “Montgomery Variations,” movements I, III, VII. An advocate for racial justice, Bonds’ piece is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. in recognition of the Civil Rights Movement.
Morton Gould – “American Salute.” Incorporating the distinguishable tune of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” Gould’s piece is an American classic from World War II.
John Philip Sousa – “Stars and Stripes Forever: “Completing the program is the official National March of the United States of America.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be performing with these amazing soloists, our great new conductor, and our wonderful orchestra members, especially on a tour that takes us to so many lovely sites around this incredible state,” said D. Thomas Toner, principal percussion with the VSO. “The solo I’m playing is from 1925, but it’s a throwback to the ragtime xylophone music that was popular around the turn of the century. The xylophone was a popular instrument back then because its dry tone quality was easily picked up by early recording technology. The solo is fast, has a lot of notes, is super fun to play, and will hopefully also be fun for the audience to experience.”
Event Details:
Vermont State University Castleton, Castleton, VT: July 2, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center, Grafton, VT: July 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT: July 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Saskadena Six Ski Area, Pomfret, VT: July 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Burke Mountain Resort, East Burke, VT: July 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
The Meadow at Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe VT: July 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information and ticketing details, visit vso.org.
