Central Vermont's
Performing Arts
Both residents
and visitors benefit from Central Vermont's active arts community.
Local theatre groups have played a key role in the lives of the
citizenry for decades, performing in town halls, churches and
local playhouses. Now visitors enjoy expanding arts programs.
Vermont has long been home to writers, crafts people and painters
- drawn by the beautiful environment in which they are able to
pursue their work. Over the past 10 years, however, musicians,
theater artists and dancers have come to Central Vermont in increasing
numbers.
The Vermont Philharmonic's
member-musicians, are some 60 strong and from all walks of life.
They are committed to the orchestra's two-fold mission of sharing
their love of music with audiences of all ages, and encouraging
young musicians to dedicate themselves to their musical education,
providing them with the opportunity to become the professional
musicians of tomorrow.
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 The region is one
of a handful of Vermont communities in which visual, literary
and performing artists and presentations are an integral part
of everyday life. It's hard not to find something interesting
to do or see in the arts almost any time year. The combination
of an arts-oriented populace and an influx of artists and arts
enthusiasts has provided a momentum for the arts that continues
to grow.
The Barre Opera House,
Central Vermont's premier performing facility since its re-opening
in the early 1980s, has been host to the Barre Players, the Vermont
Philharmonic and the Celebration Series produced in conjunction
with the Onion River Arts Council. The Opera House has attracted
some remarkable artists with national and international reputations,
and there are performances almost every weekend of the year. |
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 Montpelier
City Hall, which has hosted artists Joan Baez and Pete Seeger,
also serves as an attractive small theater space when Lost Nation Theater offers
its Summer Performance Series. Since moving to a spacious new
facility in College Hall, the Wood art Gallery has expanded presentations,
and thousands of people visit the combined exhibits of the paintings
of Thomas Waterman Wood and the works of contemporary artists.
Recent bond votes in Barre and Montpelier have provided funds
to expand the Barre Opera House and Montpelier City Hall Auditorium.
With these improvements Central Vermont is becoming the state's
premier "arts resort."
Many artists and cultural organizations are eager to use the
new facilities. The Onion River Arts Council, Washington County's
leading arts organization, produces 20 first-class events a year.
The Kids'Fest series produces 20 programs for families and children
year-round.
The Valley Players, an outstanding amateur threatre group,
has performed regularly in their Waitsfield playhouse for 25
years.
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- In addition to on-going arts programs, Central Vermont hosts
a number of special annual events. For nearly two decades, the
nation's finest quilters have met and exhibited in Northfield.
The July festival combines workshops, presentations and exhibits.
A contest for new quilts is limited to 160 entries, and many
must be turned away each year. Midsummer is a festival of performing
arts held annually in Montpelier. Scores of musicians, storytellers,
clowns, jugglers, dancers, artists and acrobats invade the city
for the July celebration.
For more information or to contact performing arts organizations
in Central Vermont:
Central
Vermont Arts Guide
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Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce © 2008.
All rights reserved.
CV Chamber / P.O. Box 336 / Barre, Vermont 05641
WebMaster: (802)-229-4619
GO TO:
In conjunction with:
Sugarbush Chamber of Commerce / P.O. Box 173 / Waitsfield Vt
05673
1-800-82-VISIT
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