Submitted by Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Burlington, VT – The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) returns with its beloved Holiday Pops concert series, taking place December 5–7, 2025, in Barre, Burlington, and Rutland. This festive tradition features classic holiday favorites, including Richard Hayman’s Carol of the Bells, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, readings from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride to close the program.
“Each year, we eagerly anticipate sharing this cherished program with communities across Vermont,” said Andrew Crust, VSO Music Director. “Featuring beloved seasonal classics, an exciting new commissioned work, and evocative spoken narrations woven throughout the performance, this year’s program offers something to delight every listener.”
The 2025 Holiday Pops concerts include young singers from the Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM) and two Vermont-based guest narrators. M.T. Anderson, an award-winning children’s author, will read excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, accompanied by musical selections. Jazz legend Marty Fogel will narrate the world premiere of local composer Michael Schachter’s The First Snow of Chelm, inspired by a Jewish folktale.
“The Opera Company of Middlebury is thrilled to collaborate in this beloved holiday program with gifted young singers, ages 10 to 17, from its Youth Opera and Children’s Chorus programs,” said Sarah Cullins, OCM’s General Director and Director of Education and Outreach.
The full program includes
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor/arr. Baynes – Christmas Overture
Richard Hayman – Carol of the Bells
A reading of excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with musical selections from:
- Kelly-Marie Murphy – Huron Carol Interlude
- Ralph Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on Greensleeves
- Peter Warlock – Pied-en-l’air and Pavane from “Capriol Suite”
- Howard Blake – Walking in the Air
- Sergei Prokofiev – Lieutenant Kijé, op. 60: Troika
- Delvyn Case – Rocket Sleigh
- Arr. Sheldon – A Most Wonderful Christmas
- Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Excerpts from The Nutcracker Suite
- Traditional/Rutter – The Twelve Days of (Vermont) Christmas
- Arr. Finnegan – Christmas Sing-a-Long
- Michael Schachter – The First Snow of Chelm (world premiere; with narration)
- Leroy Anderson – Sleigh Ride
Event Details
- December 5, 2025 at Barre Opera House in Barre, 7:30-9:30 PM
- December 6, 2025 at The Flynn in Burlington, 7:30-9:30 PM
- December 7, 2025 at Paramount Theatre in Rutland, 3:00-5:00 PM
To purchase tickets to these concerts, visit vso.org. Discounted tickets are available for students, under 12s, and AARP members.
This series is supported by Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, AARP Vermont, Community Bank, N.A. and the State of Vermont.
About the Vermont Symphony Orchestra
With a legacy of more than 90 years delivering top-tier musical performances and educational programs, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra is a cultural cornerstone in the region, enriching communities and the lives of Vermonters statewide. With a commitment to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement, the VSO has established itself as one of the country’s premier state orchestras.
For more information about the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, visit VSO.org.
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