Solaris Vocal Ensemble brings to light great choral works that span the ages, through compelling performances imbued with passion and musical artistry.
Upcoming Concerts
Spring Concerts: Blue Skies
Saturday, April 11, 7:30 pm
Waterbury Congregational Church
Sunday, April 12, 4:00 pm
College Street Congregational Church, Burlington
Guest Artists:
Nick Browne, Double Bass
Andy Gagnon, Percussion
Sponsor a Song in this concert! Click here for more information and options.
This is an exciting opportunity to take part in our concerts!
Solaris welcomes the return of brighter days with Blue Skies, a pair of spring concerts that celebrate light, warmth, and renewal through choral music.
At the heart of the program are two world-premiere arrangements by Composer-in-Residence James Stewart, reimagining beloved songs both written in 1926: Irving Berlin’s radiant Blue Skies and George Gershwin’s tender Someone to Watch Over Me. These fresh premieres sit alongside choral gems that shimmer with seasonal beauty, including Edvard Grieg’s Three Songs of Summer and C.V. Stanford’s ethereal, floating The Blue Bird.
The program also takes a playful and unexpected turn as two Renaissance madrigals—Weep, O Mine Eyes and Fire, Fire—are paired with jazzy re-interpretations featuring guest artist Nick Browne on string bass and Andy Gagnon on drum set, bridging centuries with sparkle and swing.
Rounding out the evening is a stunning arrangement of the jazz classic Moonlight in Vermont, a perfect nod to home and a gentle close to a concert full of color, warmth, and joy.
Nick Browne
Andy Gagnon
We asked!
What is the one thing you would tell someone considering attending a future concert by Solaris?
Close your eyes and soak in the harmonic voices. You come away with a deep appreciation for the talent we have in VT and the gift from those who share it! –Sue Wood
The musicians are exceptional; even if the music is familiar, the arrangements are new, unique, and exciting. The addition of musical instruments and choirs of young people enhance the variety in the performances, which are dependably enjoyable! — Toni Sunderland
We enjoyed the music. Solaris music is beautiful and uplifting. The talent and artistry, combined with the arrangements, broadens our music knowledge. The special guests brought into the program enhances the experience and showcases the talent that is local to Vermont. The concerts pull you in, feeling you are part of the Vermont Music Community. –Tom Gravelin and Laurie Sargent
Accessibility
Solaris does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission, or access to, or employment in its programs and activities. Solaris welcomes all of our community to our performances and events. We are committed to ensuring our venues are as accessible as possible. Large print programs are available at every performance. If other accommodations are needed, please inquire in advance by emailing admin@SolarisEnsemble.org.
Become a SUSTAINING MEMBER!
Just use the Donate button below and choose the monthly option.
Sustaining Members provide Solaris with a dependable base of revenue used to sustain the performances in our community. As a monthly sustainer your contribution is ongoing, and is always active until you say otherwise giving you complete control. Sustainers will be noted in performance programs as Sustaining Members. Most importantly, sustainers have the satisfaction of knowing they are always actively doing their part to keep Solaris thriving.
Call for Volunteers!
If you’d like to help out with Solaris concerts we’d love to have you! We often need ushers, ticket takers, CD sellers, etc. We would love help engaging with the business community for support through sponsorships or program advertising.
To inquire contact Molly at Volunteer@solarisensemble.org.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Sponsors
Concerts are supported in part by the Concert Artists Fund of the
Oakland Foundation
Show your support for Solaris and share your business with our audience in our concert program! We have advertising options for each concert season in a variety of sizes and prices. Advertising revenue is vital and supports our artistic programming, guest artists, staff, performance space, and necessary operating expenses.