BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A performance more than two-and-a-half years in the making will take center stage in Burlington on Saturday. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will present a chorus performance that was postponed due to the global pandemic. Now, the VSO Chorus is finally getting the chance to perform their highly-anticipated Mozart Requiem.
“I love live music and I think everyone we’re seeing the numbers just jump, people are coming back to live music,” said Elise Brunelle, the executive director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Organizers say the Mozart Requiem has a special place in their hearts because of the trauma from the pandemic.
“This is our season finale which is always exciting and this time is particularly exciting because not only do we have our full chorus on stage, but we have five guest artists,” composer Andrew Crust said.
Brunelle says this is a rare opportunity with more than 130 people on stage.
The performance symbolizes the importance of the masterpiece finally being performed after such a prolonged delay.
“Whether people know the music or not it’s a really great opportunity to hear full orchestra, full chorus and to be back together in person at the Flynn,” Brunelle said.
They say this has been an emotional journey for everyone involved, going from the disappointment of postponement to now an exciting moment they’ve all been waiting for.
“I’m really excited. I have had the chance to sing with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra before and getting to sing with an orchestra all of a sudden you’re seeing that sounds maybe really incredible, so I’m looking forward to getting to be part of it and have people here at the Flynn,” said Aleah Papes of Richmond.
Tickets are still available for the VSO performance this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Flynn.