Vermont Symphony Orchestra Appoints Robert De Cormier as Conductor Emeritus

BURLINGTON, VT - Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO), Vermont's only statewide symphony orchestra, announced this week during a choral concert in Burlington, Vermont that Robert De Cormier has been honored as Conductor Emeritus, Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus. De Cormier held the position of choral conductor for twenty years having retired in 2014.

Robert De Cormier has dedicated his life to music and social justice. Following a career as an educator, composer, arranger, and director-and that included affiliations with Harry Belafonte, Peter, Paul, and Mary, the Eastman School of Music, and the New York Choral Society, among others-Robert founded the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus in 1993. This auditioned volunteer ensemble of more than 100 comprises vocalists from across the state who shares Robert's love of choral music.

Mr. De Cormier retired as Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus at the end of the 2013/2014 season, and his tenure was celebrated in January 2014 in Burlington and Rutland with two remarkable and memorable performances of Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms, under his baton. De Cormier has been a Vermont resident for over forty years; however, his reputation is known beyond the state. During his tenure with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the chorus has won unqualified praise. Vermont concert goers have been treated to many significant choral works including the Requiems of Verdi, Faure, and Mozart. Many performances featured De Cormier's personal arrangements and favorites.

"It is fitting to honor Robert De Cormier with the Orchestra's first-ever emeritus recognition. He has established a legacy through his forming and development of our wonderful and dedicated VSO Chorus," remarks Alan Jordan, Executive Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. This honor has been heartily endorsed by Music Director Jaime Laredo, the new Director of the VSO Chorus, José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, and the staff.

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is the only professional statewide orchestra providing live musical experiences for listeners in Vermont. It is a state-supported non-profit institution founded in 1935 and exists for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the appreciation of music in all its various forms, with emphasis on orchestral, choral and chamber music.