The Vermont Symphony Orchestra to Present Three Holiday Pops Concerts and More This December

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will present its annual holiday concerts bringing festive cheer to communities around the state. The Orchestra will present three Holiday Pops concerts in Barre, Burlington and Rutland. A quintet made up of members of the VSO brass section pairs with the beloved Counterpoint Chorus. They will perform five concerts in five communities.

The VSO welcomes Vermont writer/commentator/marathoner/singer/historian/beekeeper Bill Mares as guest emcee for holiday stories and music from many lands. The festive program, conducted by Anthony Princiotti, features the music you love to hear at this time of year, including favorites from Russia, England, France, the Ukraine...and even Brazil. Rest assured you will return safely back to hearth and home by the end!

Holiday Pops performances are Friday, December 13, 7:30 pm at the Barre Opera House; Saturday, December 14, 7:30 pm at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington; and Sunday, December 15, 3:00 pm at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland (the first of three concerts in the Sunday Matinee Series.)

Counterpoint Chorus joins the VSO Brass Quintet for another heart-warming celebration of the holiday season. Nathaniel Lew conducts this program which includes holiday favorites such as Jingle Bell Rock, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, and I'll Be Home for Christmas, as well as concerto excerpts by Handel and Vivaldi. This concert will also feature a youth composition by Johna Saltsman entitled Jazzy Quintet.

VSO Brass Quintet/Counterpoint performances are Thursday, December 19, 7:30 pm, Warren Church; Friday, December 20, 7:30 pm, Jay Peak Resort; Saturday, December 21, 5:00 pm, The White Church, Grafton; December 22, 4:00 pm, First Congregational Church, Manchester; andDecember 23, 7:00 pm, Congregational Church, Brandon.

Join the VSO for holiday music that will warm your soul. For tickets and additional information please visit www.vso.org or call (800) 876-9293 ext, 10.