Vermont Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops 2026

We’re celebrating the season with music that is both reflective and radiant—sending audiences home with a melody in their hearts and a sense of holiday warmth. Our upcoming Holiday Pops concerts feature the full orchestra alongside VSO’s 80-voice chorus, leading spirited sing-alongs and performing festive favorites by Leroy Anderson, George Frideric Handel, Duke Ellington, and Georges Bizet. This year’s program also introduces two works new to VSO audiences: Margaret Bonds’ The Ballad of the Brown King, a powerful cantata honoring Balthazar with text by Langston Hughes, and Bob Krogstad’s Christmas at the Movies, a nostalgic medley featuring themes from The Grinch, The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and more. Beloved traditional carols round out this joyful, family-friendly holiday tradition. Andrew Crust, conductor with the VSO Chorus Leroy Anderson – Christmas Festival Overture George Frideric Handel – Selections from Messiah Margaret Bonds – The Ballad of the Brown King Georges Bizet – “Farandole” from L’Arlésienne Suite Bob Krogstad – Christmas at the Movies Duke Ellington/Tchaikovsky – Selections from The Nutcracker Suite arr. Bradford – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” arr. Goeller – Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long Leroy Anderson – “Sleigh Ride”