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.

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.

BARN OPERA, and specifically the BARN OPERA House 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 will continue to operate for Operatic events, as well as other genre events. However, Opera Vermont will add other venues to other locations in the state such as the Highland Center for the Arts (Greensboro), Chandler Center for the Arts (Randolph), the Paramount Theatre (Rutland), The Barre Opera House (Barre), and many other yet-to-be-announced 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.

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.

As explained above, the BARN OPERA house is not going anywhere. However, we will be phasing this iteration of the website out to focus more on the other-than-operatic concerts that will be happening at the BARN. If you visit this site and see that it’s under construction, just know that Opera Vermont Dot Com is up and running, and all of the events occuring at the BARN will also be listed on the Opera Vermont website.

ABSOLUTELY. We fully expect the musical offerings in Brandon to continue, while becoming somewhat more diverse! Any donation to BARN OPERA with “Brandon” or “The BARN” in the memo line will be restricted to only operations and programming in Brandon. 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.

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.

However, if you are not interested in the opera, but rather want to help us make The BARN one of the most desirable concert venues in New England, please let us know!

Beginning in October 2025, Colleen Wright will be assuming responsibilities for event and artist booking outside of classical music! If you have suggestions of artists that you’d like to see at the BARN, please email Colleen at wright@barnopera.com and we’ll see what we can do to make your musical dreams come true!