If you joined us last weekend, you learned new lyrics to the 12 Days of Christmas, heard wonderful storytelling and a world premiere by Michael Schachter, and sang along to beloved carols accompanied by your Vermont Symphony Orchestra. The Holiday Pops concerts brought warmth and cheer to Barre, Burlington and Rutland, and we had as much fun onstage as you did in the audience! On behalf of Andrew, our musicians and staff, thanks for celebrating the season with us.

The holiday festivities aren't over yet, however - coming to Warren, Newport, Grafton, and Manchester is our Brass Quintet and Counterpoint Chorus tour. Concert and ticket information is below, and if you’re near these communities we hope you'll join us for these quintessentially Vermont celebrations.

After this weekend, VSO staff will take a much deserved break - we’ll be back in the new year looking forward to February's concerts: David M. Wilson Farmers’ Night Concert in Montpelier, and VSO at the Flynn: Love Notes in Burlington. 

Happy holidays, everyone!

Elise Brunelle

Executive Director

PS:

So many people asked for the lyrics to The 12 Days of Vermont Christmas, so here you go (written by our Music Director Andrew Crust, with help from the team at Opera Company Middlebury):

12 mugs of cocoa, 11 Burton snowboards, 10 jugs of syrup, 9 flannel PJs, 8 cows a mooin', 7 Cabot cheeses, 6 Vermont Teddys, 5 golden leaves, 4 opera tickets, 3 French horns, 2 Bernie mittens, and a pint full of Ben and Jerry's!

Brass Quintet and Counterpoint Tickets Are Moving Fast!

 Following Holiday Pops, we'll hit the road with our Brass Quintet and Counterpoint tour. These beloved concerts combine the rich, warm sound of our brass quintet with singers from Counterpoint chorus, and visit Warren, Newport, Grafton and Manchester.

This year's program includes carols such as Silent Night, Deck the Halls, and The First Nowell, compositions by Vermont composer Erik Nielsen alongside works of Moses Hogan, traditional tunes arranged by Robert De Cormier and John Rutter, and a world premiere by Music-COMP and Mount Mansfield Union High School student Sam Acus. 

Tickets for Warren are sold out, and Grafton is almost full, so get yours for Newport and Manchester while they last.

Disney in Concert: Around the World is On Sale Now!

 In March 2026, the VSO is set to transport audiences to a world of wonder with Disney in Concert: Around the World, a symphonic celebration of Walt Disney’s legacy. Featuring orchestral suites from classic Disney films and iconic film moments, this concert experience, visiting Rutland and Burlington, will enchant fans of all ages.

From the sweeping savannas of The Lion King to the icy magic of Frozen, the adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean to the timeless romance of Beauty and the Beast among many other familiar classics, VSO’s live performance will bring Disney’s most beloved stories to life like never before. The program combines the power of a live symphony orchestra with moments from Disney’s animated masterpieces projected on screen—creating an immersive, family-friendly event brimming with nostalgia and wonder.

Conducted by Matt LaRocca.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. 

Become a sustaining note in Vermont’s symphonic story, and join the Fermata Society today.

 Just like a fermata lets a musical moment linger, your monthly gift helps the VSO sustain and deepen its impact all year long. With a steady, budget-friendly contribution of any size, you'll fuel world-class concerts, SymphonyKids education programs, and musical experiences across Vermont.

Checking in with our Partner Organizations

For those of you in the Burlington area, our friends at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul are hosting Paul Winter Consort: Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 13.

The Paul Winter Consort, with beloved vocalist Theresa Thomason, brings the timeless music of their legendary New York solstice events, in a joyous and profound celebration of the season of renewal and the greater family of life on Earth. 

Featuring: 

-- Theresa Thomason, the Consort's long-time beloved vocalist

-- Eugene Friesen on cello (who has been with the Consort for 46 years)

-- Henrique Eisenmann, piano

-- Peter Slavov, bass

-- Bertram Lehmann, percussion

-- Peter Berton, the Cathedral organ

-- Paul Winter, soprano sax