Last Sunday, a delightful fusion of history and music filled the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington as the Burlington Baroque Festival wrapped up with its grand finale. The performance, titled “The Splendor of Versailles,” transported attendees back to the extravagant era of King Louis XIV through a vibrant display of period instruments and stunning vocals.
The church, bathed in colorful stained glass, was packed with eager listeners as a talented ensemble of 33 singers and 21 instrumentalists took the stage. Under the expert guidance of director Eric Milnes, who played both organ and harpsichord, the musicians dazzled the audience with four lengthy masterpieces that showcased the rich and elaborate sounds of Baroque music.
Despite the venue’s sacred nature, there was no judgment here—just the exhilarating power of art weaving its spell in a space typically reserved for spiritual reflection. As the final notes resonated and the crowd erupted in applause, you couldn’t help but feel uplifted, perhaps even a little more enlightened.
As I made my way out into the radiant afternoon light, it seemed like the universe smiled down, affirming my unexpected joy in this musical pilgrimage. If you missed this year’s festival, don’t worry—mark your calendars and get ready for another enchanting experience next September!
