Vermont Academy Celebrates Spring Performing Arts Night with Music, Community, and Farewells to the Class of 2026

Under the direction of Performing Arts Chair Steve Cady and Vocal Ensemble Director Gwenn Curtis, the evening showcased a diverse program spanning classical masterworks, jazz standards, contemporary favorites, and even a world premiere student composition.

The concert opened with the Vermont Academy Class of 2026 Ensemble performing Nat Adderly’s energetic “Work Song” followed by the Ramones’ “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg,” immediately setting an exciting tone for the evening.

The Special Ensemble followed with moving performances of Yao Deng’s “Farewell Letter” and the spirited “Can-Can” from Orpheus in the Underworld. Ensemble members included Catherine Min ’27, Angela Shi ’28, Evie Meyer ’28, Ethan Xu ’29, Eric Chen ’27, departing seniors Oliver Norkun ’26 and Luke Pennell ’26, and featured student performers from Half Giraffe.

The Vermont Academy Vocal Ensemble brought warmth and harmony to the stage with “Ad Astra” by Jacob Naverud, “Whatever Will Be, Will Be,” and a joyful rendition of “Best Day of My Life.” Vocal Ensemble members included YeHoon Allen ’28, Scarlett Bower ’28, Maddalena Dimayuga ’28, Asper Donath ’26, Belle Louissaint ’28, Evie Meyer ’28, and Casey Rhodes ’27.

The Chamber Ensemble presented a refined and expressive classical set featuring “Come, Follow Me” by John Hilton, Schumann’s “Traumerei,” and Dvorak’s lively “Slavonic Dance #8.” Performers included Spencer Bartlett ’28, Evie Meyer ’28, Catherine Min ’27, Angela Shi ’28, and Ethan Xu ’29, and graduating membersAsper Donath ’26, Xander Linnenbringer ’26, Oliver Norkun ’26, and Luke Pennell ’26.

Returning to the stage, the Senior Ensemble delivered crowd favorites “Evil Ways” and “Stand By Me,” blending strong instrumental performances with infectious energy.

One of the evening’s standout moments came from Half Giraffe, featuring Eric Chen ’27, Oliver Norkun ’26, and Luke Pennell ’26, who performed the original song “Down and Out,” written by Luke Pennell ’26. The performance highlighted the first song they had ever performed as a band, and was a tribute since two thirds of Half Giraffe is graduating.

The Jazz Ensemble closed the instrumental portion of the evening with an exciting set that included Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” Henry Mancini’s iconic “Pink Panther Theme,” Gordon Goodwin’s “The Jazz Police,” and the world premiere of “Full Stride,” an original composition by Luke Pennell ’26. Jazz Ensemble members included Lynn Campbell ’27, Elliot Carr ’28, Eric Chen ’27, Keira Chin Gerding ’28, Lorenza Davis-Barcenas ’29, Asper Donath ’26 Elena Hernandez-Merkle ’26, Henry Li ’29, Bruce Li ’29, Xander Linnenbringer ’26, Oliver Norkun ’26, Marley Odell ’26, Luke Pennell ’26, along with Angela Shi ’28 and Ethan Xu ’29.

The evening concluded with all ensembles joining together for heartfelt performances of “Happy Together” by The Turtles and “The Vermont Academy Evening Song,” arranged by Steve Cady. As the final notes filled the theater, the audience celebrated not only a successful year of music making, but also the lasting impact of the departing seniors whose leadership, musicianship, and commitment helped shape the performing arts community at Vermont Academy.

Special recognition was given to graduating members of the ensemblesElena Hernandez-Merkle, Xander Linnenbringer, Oliver Norkun,, Marley Odell, as well as four-year members Asper Donath and Luke Pennell, for their outstanding dedication to the music program throughout their Vermont Academy careers.