‘Blue Skies’ ahead for Solaris spring concerts in Waterbury, Burlington
April 2, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Solaris vocal ensemble performs in Waterbury on April 11. Courtesy photo
Drummer Andy Gagnon, courtesy photo
Solaris choral ensemble welcomes the return of brighter days with “Blue Skies” – a pair of spring concerts that celebrate light, warmth and renewal through music on April 11-12 in Waterbury and Burlington.
The Saturday, April 11, concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main Street. The Sunday, April 12, performance will be on Sunday afternoon, 4 p.m., at the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington.
Nick Browne on bass, courtesy photo
The heart of the program features two world-premiere arrangements by Composer-in-Residence James Stewart, reimagining beloved songs both written in 1926: Irving Berlin’s radiant “Blue Skies” and George Gershwin’s tender “Someone to Watch Over Me.” These fresh premieres share the spotlight alongside choral gems that evoke seasonal beauty, including Edvard Grieg’s “Three Songs of Summer” and C.V. Stanford’s ethereal “The Blue Bird.”
Adding depth to the concerts are playful additions of two Renaissance madrigals, “Weep, O Mine Eyes” and “Fire, Fire.” These are paired with jazzy re-interpretations featuring guest artist Nick Browne on string bass and Andy Gagnon on drums.
The ensemble has prepared a stunning arrangement of the jazz classic, “Moonlight in Vermont” to round out the concert program.
Tickets: $25, and on a sliding scale. More information and purchase in advance online at sevendaystickets.com/profile/solaris-vocal-ensemble.