The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will hold its 2024 Winter Concert at the Barre Opera House on Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm. Admission is by donation.

Directed by Peter Macfarlane, the VFO plays traditional music of many genres, including Celtic (Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Breton), Quebecois, New England, Appalachian, English Country Dance, Scandinavian and original tunes, some composed by Peter and other current and former members of the VFO. Peter teaches fiddle from his home in Addison County and commutes to Montpelier weekly to lead rehearsals at the Capital City Grange. He plays in the contradance band Atlantic Crossing and builds and paddles wooden canoes.

The guest soloist is Beth Telford who has been performing traditional music since the 1980s. She began playing contradance music in southern New England for dances and at coffeehouses and festivals. She lived for a time in Boise, Idaho to obtain her M.S. in Raptor Biology, where she continued to play fiddle and organize dances. Upon her return to Vermont, she was introduced to the music of legendary Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland, who became her mentor and friend. Beth and Jerry held twice yearly fiddle and dance camps, which she has continued to run since Jerry's death in 2009. In addition to performing, Beth has taught fiddle to scores of students of all ages.

Peter is ably assisted by Assistant Director Susan Reid of Montpelier, a popular local fiddler and member of the musical trio Larks in the Attic.

The VFO is a community orchestra that welcomes players of all ages and abilities. For more information

Event Info

Dec 31, 2024, 4 to 10 PM

Dec 31, 2024, 6 to 11:55 PM

Jan 4, 2025, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM