the Trapp meadow were followed by fireworks displays. Traditions The Grand Opening Concert of the Summer Festival was preceded by a classical dressage exhibition. The Summer Festival concluded with Mozart's Ave verum Corpus. Financial sustainability In early 2005, the new executive director announced that the Festival was about $140,000 in debt—enough to put the Festival's continued existence in jeopardy. Supporters responded; and in two seasons, 65% of that debt was eliminated. The same executive director then resigned citing differences with the Festival's board of directors. Over the following four seasons, the deficit climbed to almost a third of the million dollar annual budget. After 36 years, the Festival closed its doors following the December 2010 winter concert. Notable performers Over the years, the Festival featured various performers including both established musicians and up-and-coming talent. In the media “Melvin Kaplan, the oboist who is the Festival’s artistic director, has pieced together a remarkably attractive season that in its resourcefulness, sophistication and occasional downright giddiness puts many of our better-established festivals to shame.” – Henahan, Donal. New York Times (1978) “One has all the ingredients necessary for a splendid musical vacation. For those with… a love of gorgeous sites and sounds, the Vermont Mozart Festival is a definite must.” – Montreal Star (July 1979) “The Vermont Mozart Festival brings the music of Mozart to life.” – CBS Sunday Morning (August 1991) “Mozart under the lights at Lincoln Center is an enchanting musical experience. Mozart under the stars at Shelburne Farms… is something else again. This is a perennial favorite.” – New York Times (1992) “On the score of settings, it’s difficult to beat the Vermont Mozart Festival.” – Boston Globe (1993) See also Vermont Symphony Orchestra References External links Official site Music festivals established in 1974 Classical music festivals in the United States Music festivals in Vermont Music festivals disestablished in 2010 Mozart festivals 1974 establishments in Vermont 2010 disestablishments in Vermont