Our History and Our Home

From a Red Barn to all of Vermont

Introducing BARN OPERA: A Dream Realized

BARN OPERA, our cherished project born from the visionary mind of our founder, Joshua Collier, was set to become a beacon of artistic excellence. With unwavering support from our esteemed friends and board members, Russ McColman and Michael Shank, the foundation for our journey was firmly established. Guided by the nurturing care of the Compass Music and Arts Foundation, BARN OPERA emerged as a testament to the power of collaboration and imagination, in the beautiful town of Brandon, Vermont.

In February 2018, BARN OPERA embarked on its journey with a stunning production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly at the captivating Brandon Music, a red barn converted into an artist studio/performance space. The production was comprised of artists exclusively from Vermont or who had made Vermont their home. Despite initial concerns about low attendance, our performance defied expectations, selling out in just one day. This heartening response from our beloved community in Brandon, Vermont further affirmed our shared passion for making opera accessible to all.

Our Spectacular First Season: Beloved Operas, Unforgettable Experiences

Our 2018/2019 season proved to be a resounding success after our triumphant inaugural concert laid the groundwork for an extraordinary year of enchanting performances.

To continue to captivate our audience, we presented a breathtaking Concert in May 2018. This fun collection featured a carefully curated selection of opera's most beloved and iconic pieces.

As the autumn leaves began to fall, we delved into the work of two great maestros: Mozart and DePonte. In September 2018, we mesmerized our audience with a hilarious performance of Cosi fan tutte(i). A rethinking of the great work to show that, WE are all like that.

In December 2018, amidst the wintry embrace in our cozy little space, we lovingly crafted our rendition of Puccini's timeless classic, La bohème. Joined by a stellar cast, whose voices resonated with the depth of their characters, we sought to bring our productions to the next level with the introduction of our first-ever chamber orchestra that truly propelled this performance beyond convention.

Embracing the enchanting charm of Vermont's winters, we closed our season in February 2019, with an enchanting rendition of Rossini's The Barber of Seville. This delightful opera took on a chilly twist set in a Vermont ski lodge. The perfect symphony of heartwarming melodies and comedic interludes echoed through the snow-covered mountains and warmed the souls of winter sports enthusiasts and opera aficionados alike.

Our 2019-2020 Season and a Barn of our Very Own

After our first winter break, we geared up for the 2019-2020 season. Our season kicked off in May 2019 with a performance of Bizet’s timeless opera, Carmen. Using the Peter Brook reduction, La Tragedie de Carmen, we emphasized the thrilling aspects of the story with a new and inventive twist, allowing Carmen the last word.

In September 2019, we took on a fresh interpretation of Mozart’s beloved opera, The Magic Flute. This time, we presented it from the perspective of a Grandfather, who was reading it as a bedtime story to his grandson. The narrative took on a new life through this lens, adding a touch of charm and imagination to the experience for both our adult and child audience alike.

Continuing in it’s success, BARN had outgrown its current space and realized the need for a larger venue to accommodate its growing audience and expand the scale of its productions. After the generous support of CMAF, BARN gained it’s own 501(c)3 and autonomy, then, the organization decided to explore various red, post and beam barns scattered throughout the town of Brandon.
After an extensive search lasting several weeks, BARN finally discovered its ideal new home: a 19th-century, post and beam barn that had once served as a dairy barn on the Sanderson family farm. Recognizing the potential of this historic structure, BARN, with the support of its generous patrons, secured the barn in July 2019, and immediately commenced the transformation process.
With the acquisition of this new venue, BARN embarked on a journey to establish its permanent opera house. The hard work and dedication of the team began as they set about drafting concepts and complying with state stipulations.

A Holiday Tradition

As we eagerly embraced our newfound home, we wholeheartedly devoted ourselves to the pursuit of bringing opera to our beloved community. With the holiday season on the horizon, we embarked on our next production that would soon evolve into a treasured annual celebration. In December 2019, with boundless gratitude towards the gracious Salisbury Congregational Church, BARN proudly presented Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.

Menotti's timeless tale of unconditional generosity, transformative forgiveness, and remarkable compassion resonated with profound clarity and significance. Our productions lense of fostering inclusion and unity, even in the midst of our fragmented world, fuels the passion behind our beloved tradition.

Adaptation in the Covid-19 Pandemic

In March of 2020, just as the last "i" was doted, and "T" crossed in the permitting needed to begin construction on our new home, the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, plunging us into an unforeseen lockdown. The news was devastating, not only for us but for countless individuals and businesses around the world. Our plans to expand were put on hold indefinitely. However, rather than succumbing to despair, we embraced the challenge with a spirit of adaptability and resilience, finding new and creative ways to continue our artistic endeavors during the extended lockdown.

Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Joshua Collier and Associate Director Nicholas Tocci, BARN launched the groundbreaking Social Distance Opera Project. Determined to keep the spirit of opera alive, despite the physical distance between artists, they embarked on an ambitious mission. Gathering individual recordings from 50 talented artists from various corners of the globe, they meticulously compiled and mixed five full-length opera recordings including beloved classics such as Il trittico, Don Giovanni, Marriage of Figaro, and Falstaff. These magnificent productions were released over the summer of 2020, a balm for the souls of opera lovers everywhere, reminding us of the enduring power of music even in the darkest times.

But the team at BARN didn't stop there. They refused to let the pandemic extinguish the joy of live music in the hearts of Vermonters. Tirelessly working on logistics and with a touch of ingenuity, they organized the first live concert in the state since the beginning of the lockdown. Embracing the beauty of open-air venues, they selected Isham Farm and Estabrook Park as the perfect settings for their Opera Under the Stars concert. With carefully marked social distancing "squares" and a bubble of self-quarantined artists, they created an enchanting and safe environment for the community to come together and experience the transformative power of live music once more. In September 2020, a collective sigh of relief mixed with the magic of the music as the people of Vermont rediscovered the joy of being transported by the splendor of opera beneath the twinkling night sky.

Meanwhile, in the midst of this artistic resurgence, the BARN team never lost sight of their long-held dream. Undeterred by the challenges, they rolled up their sleeves and drew upon their collective knowledge of construction to embark on the refurbishing and construction of the BARN Opera House, and by the Summer of 2021 reached their goal.

The Grand Opening of The BARN Opera House

In August 2021, after countless hours of devoted work, both physical and mental, the BARN Opera House proudly opened its doors for its maiden voyage. The excitement within the air was palpable, as anticipation swirled around the grand opening of our one of a kind venue. And what better way to inaugurate this welcoming cultural center than with a splendid performance of Puccini’s masterpiece, Tosca.
With a cast that sparkled from all corners of New England and New York, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening. These immensely talented artists, together with the exceptional BARN artistic team, ensured that the sold-out shows would prove to be nothing short of a resounding success.

With a amazing start off to our season, our team primed and ready, a community of support and love, and just a little bit of luck, we were ready to change the landscape of opera in Vermont, New England, and the whole country.

A Continuation of Success in the Years to Come

As the curtain fell on our highly successful opening production, BARN Opera remained steadfast in its mission to bring the art of opera to our beloved home and provide a nurturing space for talented artists to showcase their creativity. Building upon the incredible energy we garnered, we embarked on the 2021-2022 season with a determination to continue captivating our audiences with unique and engaging performances.
In October 2021, we introduced our audience to Verdi's classic, La traviata. While the drama of the story endures, as well as the unmistakable music, we infused a modern perspective into this beloved opera. Setting the stage in the contemporary political landscape, we explored the repercussions a notable politician faces when his son unexpectedly falls in love with a notorious escort. Beyond the surface of debauchery, we highlighted the universal themes of love, family, and kindness that transcend background and societal expectations.
New Year's Eve 2021 marked the birth of yet another new tradition at BARN Opera. We kicked off the evening with a riotous Gilbert and Sullivan opera sing-along, complete with a sparkling champagne toast, delicious food, and a midnight dance party. It was an unforgettable celebration enveloped in joy and laughter. To inaugurate our tradition, we chose H.M.S Pinafore, and we were thrilled to see our cherished BARN favorites taking on the principle roles alongside a chorus of enthusiastic audience members. Brandon, our enchanting hometown, reveled in the BARN Opera magic on that special night.
In a glorious finale to the season at our new home, we presented Donizetti's comedic gem, Don Pasquale, in February 2022. However, as is the BARN way, we added our unique twist to this classic. Pasquale DaCorneto, a cantankerous old pizza parlor owner, found himself yet again at odds with his nephew and heir. Infuriated by his nephew's failure to find a suitable Italian bride, Pasquale took matters into his own hands and decided to find love himself. Little did he know the mischievous surprises his friends and family had baking behind the scenes. Amidst the flying pizza dough, and clouds of flour, laughter resonated, and a fantastic time was had by all. It was a end to an extraordinary season.

Vermont goes to Tuscany - BARN’s Summer Program Adventure

As we continued to grow artistically and expand upon our already wonderful performance space, a new and truly thrilling adventure was on the horizon. In June 2022, amidst the lingering concerns of the COVID pandemic, we embarked on a remarkable endeavor known as Castellopera - a unique summer training program nestled within the ancient walls of the 1,000-year-old Castello di Ristonchi.
With great anticipation, a remarkable gathering of young American singers set foot on the enchanting Italian soil, ready to delve deep into the study of their craft. And what awaited them was nothing short of extraordinary. A distinguished faculty had been assembled for their instruction, including the brilliant minds behind BARN, Middlebury College's esteemed professor of Italian, Sandra Carletti, the illustrious Italian soprano, mentor, and coach, Scilla Cristiano, and the globally celebrated composer and conductor, Marco Attura.
These talented students were not the only ones fortunate enough to experience the magic of this Tuscan retreat; 11 opera-loving community members decided to join in the adventure. They, too, desired to immerse themselves in the transcendent world of opera, relishing in the mesmerizing recitals that echoed through the castle halls. With each passing day, the castle grounds became a thriving hub of creative camaraderie and artistic discovery.
And what better way for these aspiring performers to showcase their newfound skills than by taking on a full operatic role? Recycling our beloved production of "Cosi fan tutte(i)," the students were granted the extraordinary opportunity to step into the shoes of their opera heroines and heroes. A wave of excitement and nervous anticipation swept through the castle as the final preparations were made, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music.
As Vermont traveled to Tuscany, and our artistic family expanded its horizons, our passion for opera reached new heights. Castellopera became not just a summer training program, but yet another wonderful tradition, that would soon change and grow in the year to come.

Back to Vermont for another Season and Joining Opera America

After our return from overseas, we wasted no time jumping into our next season at the barn. With our performance space now fully realized, we were determined to expand our productions, explore new genres to welcome into the BARN, reach a wider audience, and keep the party going.

In September 2022, we kicked off our highly anticipated return by presenting our first-ever German language opera. Richard Strauss' magnificent work, "Ariadne auf Naxos," graced our stage, showcasing our largest cast yet. Originally intended to comment on the dissonance between the commedia dell'arte stock characters and the higher art form of opera seria, we decided to take a more modern approach to the production to resonate with our diverse audience. With a bit of modern touch, we replaced the commedia dell'arte characters with a lively and talented musical theatre troupe. This refreshing twist breathed new life into the narrative, while still maintaining the profound message about the beauty of two different art forms. The result was a delightful fusion of opera and musical theatre, encapsulating the joys and harmonies of both genres, much to the delight of our audience.

With the momentum of our exciting start, we set our sights on new ventures and collaborations. It was during this time that we were invited and made the exciting decision to join Opera America, further cementing our commitment to artistic excellence and collaboration within the opera community. By joining Opera America, we gained access to invaluable resources, networks, and opportunities to collaborate with esteemed opera companies across the country. This union provided us with a platform to enrich our programming, expand our reach, and foster meaningful connections with fellow opera enthusiasts and professionals in the industry.

In keeping with our beloved traditions, Opera Vermont celebrated the grand finale of 2022 with two delightful productions. Proudly continuing our tradition, we once again presented the heartwarming tale of "Amahl and the Night Visitors," enchanting both young and old with its magical narrative and mesmerizing music. And as the year drew to a close, we couldn't resist the temptations of another Gilbert and Sullivan sing-along. This time, we transported our audience to the lively and adventurous world of "Pirates of Penzance." With swashbuckling pirates, clever plot twists, and an abundance of laughter, we transformed the theater into a joyous playground of musical revelry.

In February 2023, revamping Massenet's renowned masterpiece, Werther, BARN ingeniously crafted a new rendition aptly titled "The Letters of Charlotte." This reduction, which harmoniously interwove the perspectives of the main characters, underwent metamorphosis through the lens of an additional character - Charlotte, in the twilight of her life. As she embarked on a poignant journey through the passages of poetry and letters from the tormented Werther, Charlotte found herself contemplating her life choices and delving into profound introspection. Although this carefully curated adaptation saw a reduction in the cast, it preserved the essence of drama and musical significance, proving that grand French opera could gracefully unfold even within the intimate confines of our cherished barn.

Another milestone had been achieved at our beloved post-and-beam as we proudly hosted the world premiere of a brand new opera! In May of 2023, "Giacomo's Muse" embarked on its maiden voyage, marking an exciting first for our historic venue. This unique production, set in the rustic surroundings of our barn, captivated audiences with its heartfelt story and mesmerizing compositions. At the core of "Giacomo's Muse" lies a young composer's burning desire to seek guidance from the legendary ghost of Giacomo Puccini. Set against the backdrop of the scandalous Doria Manfredi affair, this opera delves deep into themes of time, fidelity, passion, truth, honor, and the invaluable lessons we can learn from history. What truly sets "Giacomo's Muse" apart is the extraordinary collaboration between two exceptional artists. The libretto, penned by the remarkably talented Douglas Macari, weaves a poignant and introspective narrative filled with exquisite poetry. Macari's words spiral through the air, allowing the audience to explore the depths of the composer's struggle and quest for understanding. Complementing these intricate lyrics is the ethereal beauty of Philip Henderson's musical compositions. Written specifically for a chamber orchestra, Henderson's music transports listeners to other realms and times. Each note resonates with the weight of the characters' emotions, enveloping the barn in an enchanting aura.

Out of the Castle and into the Sea: Vermont Returns to Italy

As our season reached its end and the anticipation of our summer break grew, we found ourselves embarking on a thrilling journey to prepare for our educational Italian summer program. While the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the majestic Castello Ristonchi had undoubtedly captured our hearts during previous seasons, we yearned for a more immersive experience for our students. Thus began our quest for a new location that would immerse our participants in the rich culture and language of Italy, captivating their souls with every passing moment.
After months of tireless research and coordination, we finally found our new home: Cesenatico, a quaint and enchanting coastal town nestled in the mesmerizing Emilia-Romagna region. With open arms, the Hotel Miramare welcomed us with unparalleled hospitality and unfathomable generosity, ensuring that our three weeks in this idyllic haven would be an unforgettable experience.
Our students and community members embarked on a journey of discovery, embracing the Italian language, studying intricate operatic roles, and indulging in the abundance of cultural events. The azure sea served as our constant backdrop, a gentle symphony merging with the harmonious melody of our operatic projects. Each day, we reveled in the beauty of this coastal paradise, relishing in the tantalizing flavors of exquisite Italian cuisine and savoring refreshing aperitivi.
As our program drew to a close, an astonishing revelation emerged: a profound love for the operatic art form had united us all. Driven by an insatiable desire to nurture our artistic horizons and expand our understanding of Italian culture in the realm of music, Cesenatico naturally transitioned into our new home. With this transformative relocation, it was only fitting that our name underwent a metamorphosis as well. Bid adieu to the resonating echoes of Castellopera as we embraced our new identity, Opera al Mare, forever anchoring ourselves in this newfound home away from home.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Opera Vermont

As our journey unfolds from our treasured town of Brandon to the vibrant landscapes of Vermont, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to bring pride and joy to every corner of this beloved state. From the first note sung in our humble beginnings to the resounding applause that echoes through our house today, our mission has always been to adapt, evolve, and enrich the lives of both our audience and our artists.
Throughout the years, we have not only built cherished traditions but also woven a tapestry of acceptance, change, healing, and growth that has touched the hearts of all who have witnessed our performances. It is this very heritage that fuels our passion and drives us to reach new heights with Opera Vermont. As we embark on the exciting path that lies ahead, it is crucial for us to remain rooted in our home and our history. Vermont, with its rich artistic legacy and unwavering support, has been instrumental in shaping who we are today.
In the years to come, we pledge to continue our mission of fostering not just an appreciation for opera, but an enduring sense of pride that radiates throughout our magnificent state. From the rolling hills of the Northeast Kingdom to the busy streets of Burlington, from the picturesque bustling towns scattered across the Green Mountains to the smallest valley-cradled village, our aim is to ensure that every Vermonter can share in the transformative power of opera.
As we prepare for the future, Opera Vermont remains committed to shining a spotlight on the immense talent that lies within our state, nurturing and showcasing local artists alongside international stars. By collaborating with other arts organizations, fostering creativity and diversity, and championing collaboration, we will unlock the full potential of opera, captivating audiences far and wide with our Vermont-grown productions. Together, let us write the next chapter of Opera Vermont's story, a chapter that echoes with the pride and joy of every Vermonter.