The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has announced an ambitious and wide-ranging 2025–2026 season that blends audience favorites with adventurous new programming, highlighting the orchestra’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and musical innovation.
Marking its 91st year, the VSO will offer a season packed with musical treasures—from holiday traditions to contemporary premieres. Season highlights include collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artists, new works by Vermont composers, and a one-of-a-kind partnership with “The Moth Radio Hour” that will pair storytelling with live music.
“VSO’s 2025-2026 season exemplifies our dual commitment to honoring cherished traditions—such as our summer tour and holiday programs—while embracing bold new artistic directions through world premieres, recently commissioned works, and new community collaborations,” said Andrew Crust, VSO’s music director. “We are particularly pleased to present a diverse array of programs, designed to engage audiences of all ages. It is a privilege to collaborate with distinguished guest artists who share our vision of bringing artistic excellence and exciting musical works into the broader community.”
Among the major performances:
East Meets West (Sept. 26–27): Featuring sitar and tabla virtuosos Rajib Karmakar and Grammy-winning Sandeep Das, along with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
“Pastoral Symphony” (Oct. 25): Includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 and Chelsea Komschlies’ “Mycelialore,” inspired by the hidden networks of fungi.
“Made in Vermont with The Moth” (Nov. 14–16): Blending music and local storytelling in a series of concerts across the state.
“Holiday Pops” (Dec. 5–7): A seasonal favorite with sing-alongs, Santa, and a new commission based on Jewish folklore by composer Michael Schachter.
Valentine’s Day Concert (Feb. 14): Featuring violinist Jennifer Koh performing Philip Glass’ “Violin Concerto No. 1,” plus music by Frank Zappa and Bizet.
“Disney in Concert” (Mar. 20–21): Family-friendly favorites with orchestral suites from “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and more.
“Carmina Burana & Ortiz” (May 9): A powerful season finale pairing Carl Orff’s dramatic cantata Carmina Burana with Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari.
The season will also include multiple “Jukebox” chamber concerts, educational residencies, and student collaborations throughout the state. Special events will occur at major venues, including The Flynn in Burlington and the Paramount Theatre in Rutland.
For more information and the full schedule, visit: vso.org.
Violinist Jennifer Koh will perform Philip Glass’ “Violin Concerto No. 1,” plus music by Frank Zappa and Bizet on Valentine’s Day, 2026.
Grammy-winning artist Sandeep-Das is one of several guest performers headlining VSO concerts during its 2025-2026 season..
