HISTORY

The Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM) presents staged grand opera–the real thing–as well as  related events–live streams, tours, and lectures. Now in its 20th season, OCM is a nationally recognized regional company that brings professional singers from around the country for its two  annual productions.  

The Company was established in 2004 by artists Douglas Anderson, Carol Christensen, Beth Thompson, Meredith Parsons McComb, and Greg Vitercik. The first performance was Carmen, adapted by  Douglas Anderson, and featured Meredith Parsons McComb, Stephanie Weiss, Yonghoon Lee, and Steven Marking.  

Photographs from our first performance, Carmen, 2004

OCM presents two annual productions. Following the 2019 production of Tosca, live performances  went on hiatus. Undaunted, OCM produced a widely acclaimed version of Candide, filmed for streaming by  videographer Tim Joy, that included narration by former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas. Live theater  returned with the production of The Maid of Orleans in October of 2021.  

Productions are presented in their original language, with subtitles projected over the stage. In October  2018 OCM toured its production of Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore to three Vermont cities. OCM also presents  the Metropolitan Opera HD Broadcasts in conjunction with Town Hall Theater; each opera is preceded an hour  ahead by a talk about it by an expert.  

The Young Artist Program draws talent from all over the country. Singers are not charged to  participate in the Young Artist Program but are provided a travel stipend, housing, voice training, and offered  the opportunity to participate in a staged opera with full orchestra. They are invited to Master Classes and  perform in a Young Artist concert.  

In 2023, OCM began offering educational programming to teens through the Youth Opera Company of OCM.

OCM has a track record of delivering fresh and exciting interpretations that draw a broad audience  and have impressed national critics, selling out virtually all performances. Our singers have a track record of  success too, with alumni performing in featured roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Opera, and La Scala  among others. All OCM performances are staged at the Town Hall Theater. 

After 14 years on the theater faculty at both Middlebury and Amherst colleges, Douglas Anderson moved on to a highly successful career in theater and television as a multifaceted actor, director, and writer. He mobilized community residents who shared his passion and vision and spearheaded the purchase of Middlebury’s historic Town Hall Theater. Built in 1883, it underwent a multi-year, $5 million renovation, completed in 2008. Now the home of several companies, including the Opera Company, the Theater’s interior has become a spacious hall. With a ceiling rising to the very peak of the roof, the Main Stage offers a beautiful and versatile space for theater, music, dances, meetings, and receptions. Light pours into the room through restored stained-glass  windows, and the refinished hardwood floor gleams. The lower level has been reconfigured to accommodate  the Carolyn and Will Jackson Gallery, the Bruce and Sue Byers Studio, the Middlebury Community Players Dressing Room, and offices.