Vt. Symphony Honors
Ellis in Friday Concert

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will dedicate a concert to South Royalton's music man, Richard Ellis, this weekend at the Barre Opera House.

The concert is Friday at 7:30. Ellis will be honored for his service to music in Vermont—as a musician, a teacher, a businessman who supplies 4000 kids with instruments, and as a philanthropist.

The VSO Chorus and Orchestra, under the direction of Robert De Cormier, will join for the annual VSO Holiday Pops concert. Special guest Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter Paul & Mary) kindles the holiday spirit with folk favorites and seasonal classics. 

The program includes such traditional selections as "Hanukah, O Hanukah," "Christmas Dinner," "It's Magic," "The Friendly Beasts," and the Weavers'  "Why Can't We Have Christmas All Year Long?"  Principal cellist John Dunlop is featured in Bruch's Ave Maria, and the audience is pressed into service for a carol sing-along. 

In recent years Stookey has co-produced musical theatre, edited and produced a series of vesper recordings, taught singing and songwriting, and expanded his interest and success in the field of children’s music.

The program will also be presented; Saturday, December 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Flynn Center; and Sunday, December 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland.