Date and Time: Friday, July 25, 2025; 7 PM
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 – $35

Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.

SKYLARK is an innovative contemporary string ensemble based in northern Vermont. With decades of professional experience, Skylark’s sound and repertoire challenge the boundaries between classical, folk, and modern idioms, creating inspired original works for all audiences. Influenced by the Nordic, Celtic, and American regions, SKYLARK’s music is melody-driven with unique energy, irresistible flair, and undeniable beauty.

The members of Skylark are Ben Lively on violin & guitar; John Dunlop on cello; Jane Kittredge on violin; and Ana Ruesink on viola.

Ben Lively, violin & guitar, is a violinist, violist, string arranger, and composer. He has worked in a wide range of styles including rock, jazz, tango, and classical music. A versatile musician, Ben is a passionate collaborator equally at home in concert halls and dive bars. Born in England and raised in rural Maine, Ben grew up playing classical violin with the Suzuki method at age five. In high school and at Middlebury College, he began studying jazz and exploring other styles of violin playing, eventually moving to France to study with jazz violin legend Didier Lockwood. Ben spent 15 years working in New York City, much of his time in Broadway pits.

John Dunlop, cello, has been principal cellist with the Vermont Symphony, Burlington Chamber Orchestra, Opera Company of Middlebury, Opera North, Vermont Mozart Festival, Vermont Virtuosi, and Green Mountain Opera Festival. He has performed as soloist with both the VSO and BCO. John is also the cellist with TURNmusic, which features many interesting young composers of our time. He studied under Richard Kapuscinski at Oberlin Conservatory and Bonnie Hampton at the San Francisco Conservatory, and has played in master classes for Yo-Yo Ma, Jerry Grossman, Steve Doane, and others. John has also Publicity Details for All Events_2026_with SHORT Blurbs_v2.0.docxNAC Feb 26, 2026 Page 22 of 40 composed and recorded several award-winning film soundtracks for short films, including a documentary on childhood hunger in Vermont, where he called on his skills as a guitarist and bouzouki player in addition to cello. He has played for Bernadette Peters, Lyle Lovett and Phish. John is Vermont’s busiest cellist!

Ana Ruesink, viola, enjoys exploring musical styles and traditions. An active freelance musician, she performs with the Vermont Symphony, Playing for Good, Dartmouth Symphony, and other regional ensembles. She plays English country dance music with her band Impropriety, Irish and Scandinavian tunes with her trio Symphony Reel, and an eclectic mix of old-time and traditional music with the Barker Family String Band (featuring her guitar-playing husband and two daughters). Beyond her musical pursuits, Ana likes to read, hike, and make kefir.

Jane Kittredge, violin, can be heard performing with her contemporary string quartet, SKYLARK, along with a variety of regional ensembles including the Vermont Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Opera Company of Middlebury, Opera North, Dartmouth Symphony and Handel Society of Dartmouth College, Middlebury Bach Festival, Burlington Choral Society, and on albums put forth by Vermont singer-songwriters. An avid educator, Jane is the Violin Professor at the University of Vermont and maintains a small private studio. She is an active member of Vermont’s arts community boards and currently serves on the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival Board and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Boards. Jane has also been the orchestral contractor for the Burlington Choral Society since 2018.