Manchester Music Festival

For its 50th anniversary season, the Manchester Music Festival will celebrate “The Romantic Journey” from July 11 – August 8, 2024. This fantastic event will explore the definition and roots of Romanticism with a musical adventure with weekly themes focused on Romantic composers ranging from Beethoven to Schubert, to Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Brahms, to  Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and more. The sounds of these iconic periods will come alive with the direction of Artistic Director Philip Setzer of the Emerson String Quartet.

The main festival concerts will take place at the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s (SVAC) Arkell Pavillion.

The festival features five distinct series: MMF Thursday Nights MMF Young Artists, MMF Special Events, MMF Discovery and MMF Family. Each night features a deeper dive into the themes of the festival with concerts, discussions and kid-friendly activities. The fourth week of the festival brings the world premiere of a new version of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Drink the Wild Ayre for harp and ensemble.

Weeks of Festivities

Week of July 11

Enjoy classic works from Beethoven and Schubert featuring Wu Han on piano, Philip Setzer on violin and David Finckel on cello.

Week of July 18

The sounds of Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky will ring out with Jeewon Park on piano, Philip Setzer on violin, and Edward Arron on cello all of who will be joined by the MMF Young Artists: Brian Anderson on viola, Antonia Fuglsang on violin, Kevonna Shuford on viola and Dylan Kinneavy on cello.

Week of July 25

Pieces from Brahms, Robert and Clara Schumann, and Strauss will be performed by David Shifrin on clarinet, contralto Sara Couden, Jenny Lin on piano, Philip Setzer on violin, Lawrence Dutton on viola, Colin Carr on cello, and the MMF Young Artists: Andrew Cannestra on piano, Hannah Corbett on violin and Hang Zhong on piano.

Week of August 1

Delight in the sounds of Debussy, Elgar, P. Setzer and Sarah Kirkland Snider performed by Nancy Allen on harp, Philip Setzer on violin, bass, and the MMF Young Artists: Brian Anderson on viola, Andrew Cannestra on piano, Hannah Corbett on violin, Bree Fortheringham on violin, Antonia Fuglsang on violin, Dylan Kinneavy on cello, Ignacio García Núñez on cello, Maureen Sheenan on viola and Kenichi Kiyama on violin.

Week of August 8

The songs of Dvořák, Brahms, Barber, and Respighi will come alive on the stage with soprano Christine Goerke, Gilles Vonsattel on piano, Philip Setzer and Sarah Crocker Vonsattel on violin, Matthew Lipman on viola, Estelle Choi on cello, accompanies by the MMF Young Artists Chamber Ensemble: Brian Anderson on viola, Andrew Cannestra on piano, Hannah Corbett on violin, Bree Fortheringham on violin, Antonia Fuglsang on violin, Dylan Kinneavy on cello, Ignacio García Núñez on cello, Kenichi Kiyama on violin and Hang Zhong on piano.

Special Events at the Manchester Music Festival

MMF Presents The Steinway Spirio and MMF Young Artists Solos in Concert: July 27, 5:00 pm Manchester Library

The Steinway & Sons Spirit – a high-resolution self-playing piano will be accompanies by the MMF Young Artists Class of 2024.

MMF Talks “The Romantic Era”: August 3, 5:00 pm, SVAC Arkell Pavilion

Artistic Director Philip Setzer will be joined by a panel of distinguished authors to discuss the Romantic Era – what a work being “romantic” means in history bothe motionally and intellectually.

MMF Discovery

Given a Chance: Concert and Discussions: July 28, 5:00 pm, SVAC Arkell Pavilion

MMF Family Events

Edward Arron and MMF Young Artists “Strings & Things: A Musical Playdate: July 20, 1:00 pm

Live Music with storytelling and illustrations Melody’s Mostly Musical Day: July 27, 1:00 pm

The Young Artists Program

This highly selective program is a full-scholarship intensive for string players and pianists ranging from ages 18 to 26. These artists receive coaching sessions from the Manchester Music Festival guest artists and attend a variety of masterclasses throughout the festival.

These talented young artists will have a chance to shine on their own in a special program called “Given a Chance” which highlights not only these blossoming musicians but also the songs of underrepresented composers who have struggled to have their voices heard. For the first time, these young artists are interwoven into the festival’s programming like never before.

Take Amtrak to the Manchester Music Festival

Experience a number of breathtaking performances at the Manchester Music Fetival via Amtrak with connecting bus service to Manchester in as little as 4 hours and 20 minutes from Manhattan. Take Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer station and then pick up the Amtrak Thruway Bus Service right at the station to Manchester (MCV).

Manchester Music Festival

For its 50th anniversary season, the Manchester Music Festival will celebrate “The Romantic Journey” from July 11 – August 8, 2024. This fantastic event will explore the definition and roots of Romanticism with a musical adventure with weekly themes focused on Romantic composers ranging from Beethoven to Schubert, to Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Brahms, to  Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and more. The sounds of these iconic periods will come alive with the direction of Artistic Director Philip Setzer of the Emerson String Quartet.

The main festival concerts will take place at the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s (SVAC) Arkell Pavillion.

The festival features five distinct series: MMF Thursday Nights MMF Young Artists, MMF Special Events, MMF Discovery and MMF Family. Each night features a deeper dive into the themes of the festival with concerts, discussions and kid-friendly activities. The fourth week of the festival brings the world premiere of a new version of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Drink the Wild Ayre for harp and ensemble.

Weeks of Festivities

Week of July 11

Enjoy classic works from Beethoven and Schubert featuring Wu Han on piano, Philip Setzer on violin and David Finckel on cello.

Week of July 18

The sounds of Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky will ring out with Jeewon Park on piano, Philip Setzer on violin, and Edward Arron on cello all of who will be joined by the MMF Young Artists: Brian Anderson on viola, Antonia Fuglsang on violin, Kevonna Shuford on viola and Dylan Kinneavy on cello.

Week of July 25

Pieces from Brahms, Robert and Clara Schumann, and Strauss will be performed by David Shifrin on clarinet, contralto Sara Couden, Jenny Lin on piano, Philip Setzer on violin, Lawrence Dutton on viola, Colin Carr on cello, and the MMF Young Artists: Andrew Cannestra on piano, Hannah Corbett on violin and Hang Zhong on piano.

Week of August 1

Delight in the sounds of Debussy, Elgar, P. Setzer and Sarah Kirkland Snider performed by Nancy Allen on harp, Philip Setzer on violin, bass, and the MMF Young Artists: Brian Anderson on viola, Andrew Cannestra on piano, Hannah Corbett on violin, Bree Fortheringham on violin, Antonia Fuglsang on violin, Dylan Kinneavy on cello, Ignacio García Núñez on cello, Maureen Sheenan on viola and Kenichi Kiyama on violin.

Week of August 8

The songs of Dvořák, Brahms, Barber, and Respighi will come alive on the stage with soprano Christine Goerke, Gilles Vonsattel on piano, Philip Setzer and Sarah Crocker Vonsattel on violin, Matthew Lipman on viola, Estelle Choi on cello, accompanies by the MMF Young Artists Chamber Ensemble: Brian Anderson on viola, Andrew Cannestra on piano, Hannah Corbett on violin, Bree Fortheringham on violin, Antonia Fuglsang on violin, Dylan Kinneavy on cello, Ignacio García Núñez on cello, Kenichi Kiyama on violin and Hang Zhong on piano.

Special Events at the Manchester Music Festival

MMF Presents The Steinway Spirio and MMF Young Artists Solos in Concert: July 27, 5:00 pm Manchester Library

The Steinway & Sons Spirit – a high-resolution self-playing piano will be accompanies by the MMF Young Artists Class of 2024.

MMF Talks “The Romantic Era”: August 3, 5:00 pm, SVAC Arkell Pavilion

Artistic Director Philip Setzer will be joined by a panel of distinguished authors to discuss the Romantic Era – what a work being “romantic” means in history bothe motionally and intellectually.

MMF Discovery

Given a Chance: Concert and Discussions: July 28, 5:00 pm, SVAC Arkell Pavilion

MMF Family Events

Edward Arron and MMF Young Artists “Strings & Things: A Musical Playdate: July 20, 1:00 pm

Live Music with storytelling and illustrations Melody’s Mostly Musical Day: July 27, 1:00 pm

The Young Artists Program

This highly selective program is a full-scholarship intensive for string players and pianists ranging from ages 18 to 26. These artists receive coaching sessions from the Manchester Music Festival guest artists and attend a variety of masterclasses throughout the festival.

These talented young artists will have a chance to shine on their own in a special program called “Given a Chance” which highlights not only these blossoming musicians but also the songs of underrepresented composers who have struggled to have their voices heard. For the first time, these young artists are interwoven into the festival’s programming like never before.

Take Amtrak to the Manchester Music Festival

Experience a number of breathtaking performances at the Manchester Music Fetival via Amtrak with connecting bus service to Manchester in as little as 4 hours and 20 minutes from Manhattan. Take Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer station and then pick up the Amtrak Thruway Bus Service right at the station to Manchester (MCV).

Vermont State Fair

Celebrate the 178^th Vermont State Fair in Rutland County from August 13-14, 2024

A Historic Celebration

Head to the 178th Vermont State Fair from August 13-17, 2024.

Spanning five days, the fair features thrilling rides and attractions, events, and entertainment. This year take part in several sponsored competitions including a “Bucket of Junk Sculpture Contest,” Floral growing competition, Ox Pulling, and more for cash prizes.

This year enjoy “Abuducted by the 80s” – a musical journey through the 1980s, a decade of music that can be loved and appreciated by all. The musical extravaganza will take place on August 14 at 7:30 pm, at The Diamonds and More Grandstand. Featuring performances by Wang Chung, a Flock of Seagulls, Naked Eyes, and Animotion, enjoy hits like “Space Age Love Song,” “Always Something There To Remind Me,” “Dance Hall Days,” and tons more! Combined, these four bands have recorded 18 Billboard Top 100 hits! Tickets are $40 for general admission grandstand, $45 for general admission off track chairs, and $50 for general admission standing room.

For more information on fair events please visit their website.

There will also be a wide selection of vendors at the fair ranging from crafts, specialty products, food items, games, educational and informational exhibits, and more! You can apply to be a vendor at this year’s fair here.

Ticket and Admission Information

$10.00 – Ages 13 & Up

$5.00 – Ages 6-12

Free Admission – Age 5 & Below

$25.00 – Season Pass

Special Promotions

Tuesday, August 13th  – $5 admission price for all visitors on the Fair’s opening night

Thursday, August 17th – Veterans Appreciation Day. Free admission for all veterans!

Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/VTStateFair

State Fair History

Now in its 178^th year, the State Fair still manages to attract visitors from all over Vermont and from adjacent states with its fun attractions and exciting events. The fair is managed by Rutland County which works to promote and celebrate Vermont’s agriculture with events and attractions.

The fair first opened in 1846, making it one of America’s oldest fairs to date. Known at the time as the Rutland Fair, the event only lasted for one day and included limited activities and attractions. Eventually, due to an increase in popular demand, the fair was given a permanent home in Rutland County Park and renamed the famous Vermont State Fair in 1972.

To learn more about the fair click here.

Take Amtrak to the State Fair

Attend the State Fair via Amtrak to the Rutland Station—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The station is 1.1 miles away from Rutland Recreation Community Center, making it an easy and convenient option to get to the event.

Get picked up from the Rutland Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Rutland office today at 802-773-0855.