The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is rekindling the spirit of its former music director Jaime Laredo with a refreshed annual tour, led by one of his esteemed protégés. Violinist Bella Hristova, who performed with the VSO under Laredo’s baton at his final concert in May 2023, will now guide the VSO Chamber Orchestra on a tour that begins at Derby Line’s Haskell Opera House on Friday, September 6. The tour will continue to Randolph’s Chandler Center for the Arts on Saturday, September 7, and conclude at Manchester’s Southern Vermont Arts Center on Sunday, September 8.
During the 2023 program, Hristova not only played Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy” but also showcased “Saturn Bells,” a concerto composed for her by her husband, David Serkin Ludwig. Ludwig, a former VSO new music advisor and current dean of the Music Division at The Juilliard School, and Hristova reside in New York City with their four cats.
This time, Hristova will lead the VSO string orchestra from the violin, presenting a program that celebrates Vermont’s seasons. The repertoire includes works by Vermont natives Nico Muhly and Pete Sutherland, as well as compositions by Béla Bartók, Astor Piazzolla, Florence Price, Antonio Vivaldi, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
Hristova describes the orchestral experience as a form of large-scale chamber music. “This program excites me because, without a conductor, everyone must be even more attentive,” she said.
The program, selected with input from the VSO, reflects the Vermont seasons and the fall harvest. “I love the seasons,” Hristova said. “I considered various ways to interpret them but ultimately chose Vivaldi and Piazzolla. So, we have two pieces from each.”
Vivaldi will be represented by “Spring” and “Winter” from his “Four Seasons,” while Piazzolla’s “Estaciones Porteñas” will include “Verano Porteño” and “Otoño Porteño.”
“The Bartók Romanian Folk Dances immediately came to mind as a celebration of harvest, folk music, and tradition,” Hristova said. “I’m also excited about the Nico Muhly piece, which I’ve never played before. It’s a concerto from Randolph, where we’ll be performing, and we’ll feature the third movement, ‘Shrink.’”
Hristova will also include Florence Price’s “Adoration,” originally written for organ. “It’s such a gem,” she said. “I absolutely love it. I was delighted to find a string arrangement that captures its heartfelt and beautiful essence.”
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s representation will be a waltz from his Novelletten, fitting the fall harvest festival theme.
Traditional music, including selections from the late Vermont legend Pete Sutherland, has been arranged by VSO Artistic Adviser Matt LaRocca. “I explored the folk songs we’ll be playing,” Hristova noted. “It’s new to me, but I’m sure it will be familiar to many.”
Hristova will lead from the violin, playing the first violin part for pieces without a solo section. “I’m really excited about this,” she said. “I’ll be playing from the score for everything except the Muhly piece, which was too small to read. I love studying the score and understanding the full orchestral context; it feels somewhat conductor-like.”
Laredo once advised her, “That’s how you start.” Hristova has since discussed future leadership roles with him.
Reflecting on her journey, Hristova shares, “My mother made me become a violinist. I initially wanted to play piano or percussion, but she took me to a violin teacher for private lessons, which were essential for us.”
Despite starting violin lessons at her mother’s insistence, Hristova developed a deep passion for it over time. “It wasn’t until my early 20s that I truly embraced it as my own dream, rather than just fulfilling my mother’s expectations,” she said. “Now, I love playing with orchestras and concertos, enjoying the collaborative experience and the unique sound that emerges.”
Her experiences with Jaime Laredo have been particularly meaningful. “It’s all been about Jaime,” Hristova said. “Performing with him at Carnegie Hall and sharing the stage with him has been some of the most fulfilling moments of my career.”
