Vermont Philharmonic presents ‘German Romantics’ April 29-30

April 24, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

The Vermont Philharmonic performs April 29-30 in Randolph and Barre. Courtesy photo

The Vermont Philharmonic performs two spring concerts next weekend featuring the music of German composers from the Romantic period.

Music Director Lou Kosma conducts the orchestra at the Chandler Opera House in Randolph on Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, at the Barre Opera House.

The program opens with “Prelude and Dream Pantomime” from the opera “Hansel and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck, as the Sandman helps the children go to sleep and the angels keep watch over them.

Next comes the “Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld.”  Some may not be familiar with the opera, but they will instantly recognize the Can-Can which closes out the piece.  Offenbach was German but worked in Paris. 

The first half of the concert concludes with Richard Wagner’s “Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral” from “Lohengrin,” the solemn music that accompanies Princess Elsa on her way to the cathedral to be married to the heroic knight Lohengrin.  

The second half of the concert features Robert Schumann’s joyous and melodic Symphony No. 3, in E flat, opus 97, composed in 1850 – giving an opportunity for the Vermont Philharmonic to exercise the big orchestral sound of one of the great classical works.  

Tickets will be available online or at the door: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for students. Details are online at vermontphilharmonic.com. 

The Vermont Philharmonic, the state’s oldest community orchestra, is celebrating its 64th year of making beautiful music in Central Vermont.