Arts

Psalms and fireworks

Windham Orchestra program with Stravinsky, Handel features the Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Leland & Gray, and Twin Valley high school choruses

In an unprecedented collaboration, the Windham Orchestra is set to join forces with the choruses of all four Windham County high schools for two extraordinary performances this month.

“Psalms & Fireworks” takes performers, singers, and audiences on a far-flung musical journey that begins with Grieg's “Holberg Suite” for strings, Mozart's passionate Susanna's Aria from “The Marriage of Figaro,” and Handel's rousing “Music for the Royal Fireworks.”

For many of the student singers, this will be their first time singing with a full orchestra.

The concert, under the direction of Maestro Hugh Keelan, is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Performances are Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bellows Falls Union High School auditorium and Sunday, Jan. 27, at 3 p.m. at the Brattleboro Union High School gymnasium.

Fireworks, regal affront, public debacle, international incident, warfare, and drama are all suggested in this magnificent work of martial glory and ensuing peace.

The Bellows Falls Union High School Chorus is directed by Mary Westbrook-Geha; the Brattleboro Union High School Chorus is directed by Patty Meyer; the Leland & Gray Union High School Chorus is directed by Ron Kelley; and the Twin Valley High School Chorus is directed by Sue Maddern.

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