Frequently Asked Questions

We know that the idea of Opera Vermont is a big one, and is a huge change from other organizations in the state. Maybe you are concerned about another organization, or maybe you are just excited about the prospect, here are some answers to questions that we are asked often. Please contact us if we do not answer your question here, as we are always growing our list of FAQs!

What is Opera Vermont?

Opera Vermont is a non-profit opera company that, unlike other “state” opera companies, brings accessible and high-quality opera to the people, by partnering with many disparate theatrical venues throughout the state. Organizationally, it is the next iteration of BARN OPERA of Brandon, Vermont, and the latest venture for BARN OPERA to reach a wider potential audience base within the state of Vermont and beyond.

What does barn opera have to do with it?

BARN OPERA is a company established in 2017 with the sole aim to make the operatic art form as accessible and as inviting as possible for the Vermont audience. After many years of productions, and countless instances of feedback concerning the geographical limitations of the BARN, the leadership of BARN OPERA decided to expand the reach of the acclaimed productions of BARN OPERA to the statewide audience.

No. Absolutely not. BARN OPERA has been a culturally significant part of the Brandon & Rutland county landscape for years, and there is no expectation in any way for that to change. The BARN OPERA house is a phenomenally beautiful acoustic space, but has some limitations such as scale and type of productions possible. By partnering with the other theatrical venues, not only are the productions able to grow, but the BARN OPERA house can become a much more versatile space for experimental music, workshops, theatre, and community and private usage. It has been the mission of BARN OPERA to reach as many potential opera lovers as possible, and this partnership provides a real opportunity for that goal to be met.

Is Opera Vermont replacing barn opera?

What are the venues of opera vermont?

We are thrilled to partner with three of the most beautiful theatrical venues in the state of Vermont, and know that the operatic art will be served terrifically with the organizations partnering with BARN OPERA to create Opera Vermont.

The Arkell Pavilion of the Southern Vermont Arts Center: Southern Vermont Arts Center’s performance space, the Arkell Pavilion, is a 400 seat auditorium with professional-quality acoustics that is one of the areas finest performance spaces. Founded in 1965, the Arkell has hosted scores of musicians, singers, dancers, actors and writers.

The Highland Center for the Performing Arts: A 300 seat, state of the art performance venue in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is one of the area’s most prominent cultural facilities, hosting countless musicians, artists, and theatrical performances.

The BARN OPERA House: An intimate 100 seat, performance venue designed specifically for the operatic voice, is created from a restored and renovated 1840 post-and-beam barn in Brandon, Vermont. Home to a Steinway concert Grand Piano, artists from around the country and beyond have performed and recorded in the BARN OPERA House.

So you will tour productions to each of these locations?

No, each production of Opera Vermont will be designed and created for the location in which it is programmed. We are regularly looking for further programming, and welcome production sponsorship for subsequent seasons. Please contact Artistic Director, Joshua Collier for information concerning sponsorship.

Aren’t there other opera companies in vermont, what makes you “opera vermont?”

We are absolutely thrilled for any and every opera company and performance within the state of Vermont and beyond. Any opportunity for an audience member to experience the joy and power of the operatic medium is something that we cherish. Our goal is to bring this transformative art form to our Vermonter neighbors, by using a multi-locational model, as opposed to the uni-locational one traditionally employed by many other opera companies. We are not in any way suggesting that one opera company is more important or valuable than another, but we are suggesting that the difference between Opera Vermont and the other arts organizations within the state are that we are hoping to provide “all of opera, for all of Vermont.” Our ambition is to, within a short time frame, facilitate a live operatic performance within 30 minutes from every Vermonter, with multiple educational opportunities, and cultural enriching experiences throughout the year.

This is a wonderful concept and idea, how do i become involved?

We are so glad you asked! We are thrilled that you feel so passionately about this art form, and are excited to let you know that there are MANY ways that you can help Opera Vermont grow!

  1. Conversations with your friends and neighbors about supporting the opera are absolutely imperative! Conversations and sharing our website/social media channels are cost-free, and really make a difference!

  2. Make sure you know when the opera is happening near you, and get tickets early in advance. Make a night of it, have dinner and a show!

  3. Consider financially sponsoring a production which will give us the ability to offer discounted and reduced-rate tickets, further breaking socio-economic barriers. All monetary donations to Opera Vermont are tax deductible as permitted by law.

  4. Consider sponsoring the orchestra for a production: The orchestra is the most expensive element of an operatic performance, but provides such emotional and musical depth as an important part of the operatic experience.

  5. Consider joining the board of directors to ensure that the future of Opera Vermont, and opera IN Vermont, continues for years to come.

If opera vermont is going to be separate from barn opera, why is it still using the barn’s ticketing site?

It’s such a great question, and really has to do with the fact that because this is an expansion of BARN OPERA and not the creation of another organization, we are going to be in a period of transition, where BARN OPERA, inc. will remain the name of the Opera Vermont/BARN OPERA 501(c)3 for a time.

Opera Vermont is, however, a registered trademark and trading name of BARN OPERA, Opera Vermont can legally operate and fundraise, while still under the institutional protection of BARN OPERA. In this way, it gives the Board of Directors a little more time to organize things legally, while not making you wait any longer for the programs and programming of Opera Vermont, which will commence in 2024.

Beginning in September 2023, tickets will become available for our inaugural season, at each venue’s website, or by clicking the link in the Opera Vermont page specifically dedicated to each show. The concerts that will be in September are still BARN OPERA concerts, as we will not have fully transitioned until 2024 season, which begins officially in February 2024 with Puccini’s Tosca in Greensboro at the Highland Center for the Arts.

can i still donate to barn opera to benefit music happening in brandon?

ABSOLUTELY. We fully expect the musical offerings in Brandon to continue, while becoming somewhat more diverse! Any donation to BARN OPERA with “Brandon” in the memo line will be restricted to only operations and programming in Brandon’s BARN OPERA. Opera Vermont funds will be used for general operating and programming in all locations, as the organization sees fit. Donations that do not designate intended beneficiary will be treated as general operating donations, and will be at the discretion of the company.

Submitted Questions & Answers

We tried to answer as many beginning questions as possible above, but of course there are going to be many more questions submitted by YOU, our BARN OPERA and Opera Vermont family. Please keep them coming, and we will update this section with your questions as they arrive!