Lunch & Learn // An Introduction to the Me2 Orchestra
December 18 @ 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
// A Presentation by Me2 Orchestra Manager and Cellist Phoenix Crockett
The Me2/ (“Me, too”) Orchestra — which involves 50 Burlington musicians and over 200 musicians in all of New England — is the world’s only classical music ensemble created specifically for individuals living with mental illness, and those who support them.
Founded in 2011 in Burlington by conductor Ronald Braunstein (who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder), its mission is to “erase stigma” surrounding mental health through welcoming rehearsals and inspiring concerts. Roughly half of its musicians live with a mental-health diagnosis.
Me2/ operates several ensembles where all participants play as equals in a supportive, transparent community dedicated to wellness through music.
Please Register Here to Help Us Plan
About OZ’s Lunch and Learns:
Speakers cover a wide range of topics. A delicious lunch will be offered, which is served promptly at NOON. The talks begin at about 12:15pm and end no later than 1:15pm (including some time for Q&A).
Suggested cash contribution of $10 for food can be paid on the registration form or collected at the event — but feel free to give more or less. Please also consider being a sponsor of one or more Lunch & Learn talks. Information on this is on Lunch & Learn talk registration pages, or contact OZ Program & Engagement Manager Evan Rose at: 802-864-0218 ext 801.
2025-2026 Series of Lunch and Learn Talks: Thursday, September 18, 2025: Jewish Life & Antisemitism in Today's Germany // a talk by UVM Professor Alan Steinweis Thursday, October 16, 2025: Working to Advance Legal Protections for Animals // a talk by Animal Law lawyer Laura Ireland Thursday, November 20, 2025: From Berlin to Hollywood: the life and times of Ernst Lubitsch, Fritz Lang, and Billy Wilder // a talk, with film clips, by UVM Lane Series Director Natalie Neuert Thursday, December 18, 2025: An Introduction to the Me2 Orchestra // a presentation by Orchestra Manager and Cellist Phoenix Crockett Thursday, January 15, 2026: Supporting Kids & Families -- the Work of the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington // an illustrated talk by Executive Director Tanya Benosky Thursday, February 19, 2026: Volunteers Helping People Seeking Asylum // An Introduction by CASAN Board Members Jan Steinbauer and Kim Watkin Thursday, March 19, 2026: The Kurdish-led Local Democracy Revolution in the Middle East // an illustrated talk by author and translator Janet Biehl Thursday, April 16, 2026: Ernest Bloch's Sacred Service // an exploration by Musicologist & Choral Conductor Nathaniel G. Lew |




