Ralph Colin, of Dorset, was recently honored by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra at its Holiday Concert featuring the Brass Quintet and Counterpoint at the First Congregational Church in Manchester. In September, Colin retired from the VSO’s Governing Board of Directors after 15 years of service.
At the performance, Colin was presented with a Director’s Plaque by VSO Executive Director Alan Jordan and VSO Chorus and Counterpoint Director Robert De Cormier. Next, Colin received his award for being a member of the VSO’s Crescendo Society, which recognizes lifetime giving. The award is a custom-designed piece by Simon Pearce.
During Colin’s tenure on the VSO Board, he played an integral role in the development of concerts in the Manchester area, particularly during the summer. He served as chair of both the Artistic Policy and Long Range Planning committees, and provided valuable insight into artistic issues, based on his career at CBS Records and elsewhere. He will perhaps be best remembered for his pre-concert remarks prior to a summer concert at Hunter Park, when he proceeded to strip off his jacket, tie, shirt, and trousers—leaving him in a polo shirt and shorts—on a stiflingly hot and sticky evening. He encouraged audience members to follow suit, while remaining legally dressed. The act was immortalized with a cartoon featured in the Op. Ed. section of the next edition of the Manchester Journal.
“Ralph served the VSO for so many years, always advocating for the integrity of music performed at the highest quality,” stated VSO Executive Director Alan Jordan. “He understood the needs of the Orchestra at the statewide level, but also represented the aspirations of Bennington County like no other.”
During the presentation, Colin remarked on his joy in serving on the boards of both the VSO and Counterpoint. He encouraged others to find ways to support both organizations, commenting that such service provided great personal satisfaction.
The VSO’s Crescendo Society honors the extraordinary support of the Orchestra’s most generous contributors, recognizing individuals, corporations, and private foundations that have given $25,000 or more in realized cash or in-kind contributions since the 1984/1985 season.