Andrew Crust’s First Seasons Conclude with a Powerful Mahler Performance
BURLINGTON – Andrew Crust wrapped up his second season as music director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) with an exhilarating rendition of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, "Titan," at The Flynn. Following the tenure of Jaime Laredo, Crust was picked among several finalists to steer the VSO toward attracting new audiences while maintaining musical excellence.
Crust’s journey began with his February 2023 audition, conducting Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. While his grasp of the piece was evident, critics noted a lack of depth compared to his later successful performances. He truly showcased his talent with Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra’s “Ficciones,” featuring electric violinist Tracy Silverman.
His inaugural concert in October 2023 displayed a growing rapport with VSO musicians, highlighted by Brahms’ “Double” Concerto. Crust’s meticulous attention to detail crafted a powerful, cohesive sound—a hallmark of the orchestra’s two-decade legacy.
Equally engaging was Crust’s involvement in VSO Holiday Pops, where he reinvigorated the concert with jazz-infused arrangements of Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” His commitment to innovation extended to a March 2024 concert featuring the eerie “Psycho” Suite, enhanced by student-created projections.
As he wrapped up the season, a performance of Mozart’s Requiem brought another layer to his growing repertoire, merging the VSO with local talent like pianist Adam Tendler in the premiere of Nico Muhly’s “Sounding.”
For the upcoming 2024-25 season, Crust’s programming promises to reflect his unique vision, starting with Béla Fleck’s take on Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
With a blend of classical staples and contemporary works, Andrew Crust has indeed proven to be an inspired choice for the VSO, revitalizing its mission and appeal.
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