Author: Andrew Throdahl
The strings of the Vermony Symphony Orchestra, under veteran conductor/violinist Jaime Laredo, stopped at the Mahaney Center for the Arts on Sept. 18 for their Made in Vermont Music Festival Tour. As far as how Vermont was made apparent during the concert, a white love seat cluttered with Vermont merchandise (like mulch, pumpkin and stuffed animal spiders) stood perplexingly off-stage. Vermont native Pierre Jalbert was present for the premiere of his "Autumn Rhapsody," which sounded suspiciously, if not alarmingly, similar to John Adams' "Shaker Loops."
The real highlights of the concert, however, were unrelated to Vermont. Grieg's charming "Holberg Suite" and Vivaldi's inexhaustible "Four Seasons" formed the main attraction. The ensemble was well-balanced and full-bodied, and it carefully articulated the familiar "Four Seasons." Laredo's interpretation of Vivaldi's intricate solo part was satisfyingly precise and detailed, and his direction was refreshingly relaxed.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, minus brass, winds, and percussion
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