In 2023, one of our favorite annual holiday offerings tours to Warren, Newport, Grafton, and Manchester for programs of music and cheer. Each VSO Brass Quintet and Counterpoint concert features a perfect blend of brass and voices with seasonal fun. The program includes two world premieres: “The Christmas Truce” for chorus by Saxtons River-based composer Carol Wood, based on the WW1 Christmas ceasefires, and a brass composition by Leela McCann, a U-32 School District and Music-COMP student (Music Composition Mentoring Program). The concert is rounded out by enchanting traditional carols, timeless arrangements by Robert De Cormier (the founder of Counterpoint and the VSO Chorus), compositions by Bach, Gabrieli, and Farnaby, and fun holiday tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Baby”.

In Newport we’ll welcome chorus members of the Lake Region Union School District as they join us in song! Don’t miss out on this musical treat, conducted by Nathaniel G. Lew.

VSO Brass Quintet

Shelagh Abate, horn

Seelan Manickam and Ryan Noe, trumpet

Matthew Wright, trombone

Philip Hyman, tuba