Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Yes, We Can

In 2007, the Chandler Center for the Arts hosted NPR’s weekly program “From the Top,” which features the talents of outstanding young classical musicians. With that experience under their belts, organizers Janet Watton, Becky McMeekin and Betsy Canlin knew they could find equally skilled local youngsters for a Green Mountain interpretation. More than 20 music-making minors auditioned in mid-March for an inaugural The Next Generation concert, and 14 young folks ages 14 to 18 got the golden ticket go-ahead. Hailing from all over the state (with a few from New Hampshire), they sing and play pieces ranging from the early Italian Baroque to the contemporary period on piano, violin, cello and accordion. Be sure to catch Middlebury vocalist Sarabeth Hamberlin, second-place scholarship winner at the Vermont All-State Music Festival in 2008 and 2009, along with other up-and-comers.