Summer Festival Tour: America 250

Celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra on the Summer Festival Tour: America 250, a joyous road‑trip that brings orchestral magic to communities across the Green Mountain State. Picture a balmy July evening in Vermont’s open skies, a picnic blanket in hand, and the orchestra filling the air with beloved favorites—from Morton Gould’s “American Salute” (a spirited rendition of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”) to Aaron Copland’s “Hoe‑Down from Rodeo” and Aaron Copland’s most iconic “Lincoln Portrait.” Experience the wonder of John Williams’ concert classics, the spirited marches of John Philip Sousa, and the unforgettable “Rey’s Theme from The Force Awakens.” Before the concert, each venue hosts the VSO’s Musical Petting Zoo, inviting audiences young and old to touch and learn about orchestral instruments—an interactive prelude to the live performance. Music Director Andrew Crust encourages you to relax, stream the stunning Vermont landscape and enjoy this cherished annual tradition with friends and family. Two highlight moments are elevated with live narration by actor and director Jarvis Green, alongside special guests: John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare” is performed alongside a reading of Emma Lazarus’s poem “The New Colossus,” while Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” is paired with writings by Abraham Lincoln and a reading of Calvin Coolidge’s celebrated speech “Vermont Is a State I Love.” Program Highlights: - The Star Spangled Banner – Traditional - “American Salute” – Morton Gould - “Liberty Fanfare” – John Williams - “Variations on America” – Charles Ives, arranged by Schuman - “America 250!” – Gwyneth Walker - Symphony No. 9, 1️⃣ Adagio – Antonín Dvořák - Intermission - “Cowboys Overture” – John Williams - “Hoe‑Down from Rodeo” – Aaron Copland - “Rey’s Theme from The Force Awakens” – John Williams - “Chanson de matin” – Edward Elgar - “Lincoln Portrait” – Aaron Copland - “Duke Ellington Fantasy” – Duke Ellington, arranged by Hermann - “Stars and Stripes Forever” – John Philip Sousa Join us for a summer of patriotic melody, community spirit, and unforgettable memories with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Details and tickets are available online.