Vermont audiences are equally excited about new works
of music.
The
Flynn
Center’s
Artistic
Director,
Steve
MacQueen said, “We are presenting the first-ever
year-long artist-in-residence this year with Daniel Bernard
Roumain. The residence focuses on the growing diversity
in our region and culminates in May with an original
performance with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Matthew LaRocca, The VSO’s Creatoive Project Chair,
agreed, “Vermonters are hungry for new works. They are
not content with the same old tried and true music. Our
audiences are open to new ideas, concepts and sounds
... and even if they don’t like what they hear, they aren’t
driven away. When we expand outside the concert hall to
spaces like ArtsRiot or Higher Ground (which are usually
reserved for rock bands), it feels like a natural move. It’s
comfortable for both our musicians and the audience. Ver-
mont believes in creators and the evolution of art forms
and supports them like few other states do.”
In addition to the collaborative residency with the Flynn,
the VSO will premiere a stunning number of new works in
the 2019-2020 season. In collaboration with the
Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, the VSO premiered
a new film by director Jeremy Lee MacKenzie with its score
composed by Matthew Evan Taylor. The premiere of the
film featured a live orchestra. Also on the VSO’s docket:
The world premiere of a double concerto for violin and
cello called Pas de Deux by Chris Brubeck, performed by
Jamie Laredo and Sharon Robinson; The world premiere of
a new piece by Matthew Evan Taylor; A collaboration with
Kat Wright and Higher Ground; and a VSO performance
of new works by Vermont high schoolers Jaron Rochon
(at the VSO Holiday Brass Concerts) and Katharina Muel-
ler (at the annual VSO Farmer’s Night performance at the
Statehouse).
The genres may differ, but new works of music seem to be
a common thread.
Spruce Peak Arts in Stowe, produces The Spruce Peak Folk
Festival - a wonderland of traditional and cutting-edge
Americana, bluegrass, and folk music - every summer.
The Spruce Peak Chamber Music Society is committed to
bringing Vermont audiences the finest performances of an
extraordinary repertoire and to creating transformative
education programs that delight the community.
Evan Premo, founder of Scrag Mountain Music, explained,
“Inspiration is everywhere in Vermont! All you need to
do is step outside and smell the air.” The chamber music
series, based in Marshfield, offers “pay what you can”
Pictured Above: Daniel Bernard Roumain.
Photos provided by The Flynn Center
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