Dear Diary: Mozart Scenes with Youth Opera Company + Vermont Youth Orchestra
An original story about high school told through Mozart operas in collaboration with Vermont Youth Orchestra.
Experience the drama of 1950s high school life through the timeless music of Mozart! Our talented 8-member Youth Opera cast brings you a new mini-opera based on beloved scenes from Le nozze di Figaro, The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, and La Clemenza di Tito.
For our April 11 performance, we're thrilled to partner with the Vermont Youth Orchestra, which has assembled a 16-member chamber orchestra under the direction of VYO Music Director Dr. Mark Alpizar for this program! "Dear Diary" was written and staged by YOC Director Sarah Cullins and its cast of young singers represent five Vermont high schools: Middlebury Union, Mt. Abraham Union, Harwood Union, U32, and Montpelier.
Dear Diary: Mozart Scenes with Youth Opera Company
An original story about high school told through Mozart operas.
Experience the drama of 1950s high school life through the timeless music of Mozart! Our talented 8-member Youth Opera cast brings you a new mini-opera based on beloved scenes from Le nozze di Figaro, The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, and La Clemenza di Tito.
This performance will be accompanied by pianist and YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin." Dear Diary" was written and staged by YOC Director Sarah Cullins and its cast of young singers represent five Vermont high schools: Middlebury Union, Mt. Abraham Union, Harwood Union, U32, and Montpelier.
No tickets required. Pay what you can at the door.
Dear Diary: Mozart Scenes with Youth Opera Company
An original story about high school told through Mozart operas.
Experience the drama of 1950s high school life through the timeless music of Mozart! Our talented 8-member Youth Opera cast brings you a new mini-opera based on beloved scenes from Le nozze di Figaro, The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, and La Clemenza di Tito.
This performance will be accompanied by pianist and YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin." Dear Diary" was written and staged by YOC Director Sarah Cullins and its cast of young singers represent five Vermont high schools: Middlebury Union, Mt. Abraham Union, Harwood Union, U32, and Montpelier.
No tickets required. Pay what you can at the door.
OCM Mainstage: LA BOHÈME
OCM Mainstage presents Puccini’s La Bohème!
Director Douglas Anderson reimagines this classic opera as a contemporary urban tale. Puccini's characters are young artists who have come to the big city to make a name for themselves. "As we all learned in the 70s and 80s," says Anderson, "those ambitions are easily dashed." It's a timeless story of hope, struggle, romance and disappointment, all bathed in the most glorious music ever written. With a superb cast of professional singers from across the country and a full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Filippo Ciabatti. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
With pre-performance lectures one hour before performances in the new wing at Town Hall Theater.
Tickets go on sale to members on April 7 and to the general public on April 14.
Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!
OCM Mainstage: LA BOHÈME
OCM Mainstage presents Puccini’s La Bohème!
Director Douglas Anderson reimagines this classic opera as a contemporary urban tale. Puccini's characters are young artists who have come to the big city to make a name for themselves. "As we all learned in the 70s and 80s," says Anderson, "those ambitions are easily dashed." It's a timeless story of hope, struggle, romance and disappointment, all bathed in the most glorious music ever written. With a superb cast of professional singers from across the country and a full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Filippo Ciabatti. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
With pre-performance lectures one hour before performances in the new wing at Town Hall Theater.
Tickets go on sale to members on April 7 and to the general public on April 14.
Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!
OCM Mainstage: LA BOHÈME
OCM Mainstage presents Puccini’s La Bohème!
Director Douglas Anderson reimagines this classic opera as a contemporary urban tale. Puccini's characters are young artists who have come to the big city to make a name for themselves. "As we all learned in the 70s and 80s," says Anderson, "those ambitions are easily dashed." It's a timeless story of hope, struggle, romance and disappointment, all bathed in the most glorious music ever written. With a superb cast of professional singers from across the country and a full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Filippo Ciabatti. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
With pre-performance lectures one hour before performances in the new wing at Town Hall Theater.
Tickets go on sale to members on April 7 and to the general public on April 14.
Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!
Young Artist Program: Puccini’s GIANNI SCHICCHI
OCM’s Young Artist Program presents Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
Hear the stars of tomorrow in the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Young Artists Program production of Puccini’s hilarious one-act Gianni Schicchi. Eastman Opera Theater’s Pat Diamond directs a cast of 10 up-and-coming professionals and five local talents in a uniquely staged production in Town Hall Theater’s new Doug & Debby Anderson Studio. Coached and conducted by Yale Opera faculty YAP Artistic Director Alejandro Roca, Young Artists also understudy principal roles in the mainstage production of La Bohème and appear in the ensemble.
The production is set mid-century in an upper middle class Italian-American immigrant family who is “living the dream” with cannoli, Dolce and Gabbana, Vespas, and negronis. Their world gets turned upside down when their patriarch Buoso Donati dies and his will is read. Gianni Schicchi, the provincial “country bumpkin” saves the day. . .or does he?
Tickets go on sale to members on April 7 and to the general public on April 14.
Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Sarah Cullins, Director of Education & Outreach, Director of Young Artist Program
Alejandro Roca, Young Artist Program Artistic Director
Pat Diamond, Young Artist Program Guest Stage Director
GIANNI SCHICCHI CAST:
Schicchi - Gregory Gropper
Lauretta - Hayley Fox
Zita - Melina Jaharis
Rinuccio - Héctor Camacho Salazar
Gherardo - Orlando Montalvo Avalo
Nella - Hayley Abramowitz
Betto - Wei Chen
Simone - Andrew Boisvert
Marco - Lifan Deng
Ciesca - Amanda Cabán
YAP Pianist - Hyemin Jeong
Local Cast:
Spinelloccio - Jon Isham
Notaro - Nathan Stefani
Gherardino - Soledad Pareja
Pinellino - John-Eric Robinson
Guccio - Isaiah Robinson
OCM Mainstage: LA BOHÈME
OCM Mainstage presents Puccini’s La Bohème!
Director Douglas Anderson reimagines this classic opera as a contemporary urban tale. Puccini's characters are young artists who have come to the big city to make a name for themselves. "As we all learned in the 70s and 80s," says Anderson, "those ambitions are easily dashed." It's a timeless story of hope, struggle, romance and disappointment, all bathed in the most glorious music ever written. With a superb cast of professional singers from across the country and a full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Filippo Ciabatti. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
With pre-performance lectures one hour before performances in the new wing at Town Hall Theater.
Tickets go on sale to members on April 7 and to the general public on April 14.
Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!
Young Artist Program: Puccini’s GIANNI SCHICCHI
OCM’s Young Artist Program presents Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
Hear the stars of tomorrow in the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Young Artists Program production of Puccini’s hilarious one-act Gianni Schicchi. Eastman Opera Theater’s Pat Diamond directs a cast of 10 up-and-coming professionals and five local talents in a uniquely staged production in Town Hall Theater’s new Doug & Debby Anderson Studio. Coached and conducted by Yale Opera faculty YAP Artistic Director Alejandro Roca, Young Artists also understudy principal roles in the mainstage production of La Bohème and appear in the ensemble.
The production is set mid-century in an upper middle class Italian-American immigrant family who is “living the dream” with cannoli, Dolce and Gabbana, Vespas, and negronis. Their world gets turned upside down when their patriarch Buoso Donati dies and his will is read. Gianni Schicchi, the provincial “country bumpkin” saves the day. . .or does he?
Tickets go on sale to members on April 7 and to the general public on April 14.
Under the age of 26? Check out our Opera Under 26 program to learn how to get free tickets to the opera!
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Sarah Cullins, Director of Education & Outreach, Director of Young Artist Program
Alejandro Roca, Young Artist Program Artistic Director
Pat Diamond, Young Artist Program Guest Stage Director
GIANNI SCHICCHI CAST:
Schicchi - Gregory Gropper
Lauretta - Hayley Fox
Zita - Melina Jaharis
Rinuccio - Héctor Camacho Salazar
Gherardo - Orlando Montalvo Avalo
Nella - Hayley Abramowitz
Betto - Wei Chen
Simone - Andrew Boisvert
Marco - Lifan Deng
Ciesca - Amanda Cabán
YAP Pianist - Hyemin Jeong
Local Cast:
Spinelloccio - Jon Isham
Notaro - Nathan Stefani
Gherardino - Soledad Pareja
Pinellino - John-Eric Robinson
Guccio - Isaiah Robinson
A Conversation on Puccini Through Two of His Most Iconic Operas
A Conversation on Puccini Through Two of His Most Famous Operas: La Bohème and Gianni Schicchi
featuring Filippo Ciabatti and Alejandro Roca
OCM and VICA (the Vermont Italian Cultural Assoc.) are co-hosting this Zoom conversation on the life and works of Giacomo Puccini. Filippo Ciabatti (Music Director of the Opera Company of Middlebury and Artistic Director of Upper Valley Baroque) and Alejandro Roca (Lecturer in Music and Opera Coach at Yale University and Artistic Director of the Young Artist Program at the Opera Company of Middlebury) will focus on two of Puccini's most iconic operas, La Bohème and Gianni Schicchi, which will be presented by OCM in June.
La Bohème, Puccini’s most beloved and frequently performed opera, will be the mainstage production for OCM’s spring season. This timeless work tells the tragic love story of Rodolfo and Mimì, set against the backdrop of an iconic Paris. Gianni Schicchi, presented by the OCM Young Artists, is Puccini’s sole comedic opera, drawing inspiration from a tale found in Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Both operas feature some of the most celebrated arias in the operatic canon, including "Che gelida manina" from La Bohème and "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi.
This event has passed, but you can watch the recording at this link!
Meet the Singers: Youth Opera’s Rising Stars
Meet Youth Opera alumni and enjoy a musical afternoon of opera, song and musical theater!
Between them, Ambrose Cusick, Jane Jensen Waggoner, George Lane, and Wanda Sullivan represent EVERY Youth Opera production from its inception in 2019 through the spring season of 2024! Now pursuing music degrees in college, each of them has returned to join YOC's summer Project Serenade concert series in retirement homes and several have already appeared in OCM mainstage productions and worked as interns. Accompanied by YOC Music Director, pianist Mary Jane Austin, they will also be joined by members of the current Youth Opera production, Dear Diary, performing selections from this all-Mozart co-production with the Vermont Youth Orchestra.
No tickets required! Pay what you can at the door.
La Dolce Vita: Love Songs & Sweet Treats
Celebrate love and music this Valentine’s Day with Opera Company of Middlebury!
Two real-life couples present a concert of love songs in the brand new Doug & Debby Anderson Performance Studio, followed by a wine and chocolate reception in the lounge. With a silent jewelry auction from Jewels with a Purpose and sweet treats from local chocolatiers and bakeries, it’s a fabulous evening that supports music in Middlebury!
Doors Open at 5:00pm | Concert 5:30pm | Reception 6:30-7:30pm
Anderson Studio in Town Hall Theater's New Wing
Ticket: $60 | Generous Ticket: $100 (premium seating)
Featuring Meredith Lustig & Michael Axtell
Meredith is an OCM alum and we are thrilled to welcome her back for this special event. You’ll remember her from recent productions including The Maid of Orleans, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Glory Denied. For this special event, she is joined by her husband Michael Axtell, a new face to OCM, who was recently a member of Chanticleer.
With OCM Favorites Allison & Cameron Steinmetz
OCM favorites Allison Steinmetz (Most recent OCM credits: Orphée aux enfers and Candide) and Cameron Steinmetz (Most recent OCM credits: Fidelio and Orphée aux enfers) will open the concert with a program of love duets.
The Dido & Aeneas Project: Addison County
Once again, YOC Founder Sarah Cullins will work within a school to study, rehearse and perform Purcell’s iconic opera. After successful residencies at Burlington and Colchester high schools in the last two years, this winter’s project will be a combined production of Middlebury, Vergennes and Mount Abraham high schools, culminating in a performance on December 13 and 14.
No tickets required! Entry by donation at the door.
Made possible with grants from Vermont Humanities, the Vermont Arts Council and the Morris and Bessie Altman Foundation.
The Dido & Aeneas Project: Addison County
Once again, YOC Founder Sarah Cullins will work within a school to study, rehearse and perform Purcell’s iconic opera. After successful residencies at Burlington and Colchester high schools in the last two years, this winter’s project will be a combined production of Middlebury, Vergennes and Mount Abraham high schools, culminating in a performance on December 13 and 14.
No tickets required! Admission by donation at the door.
Made possible with grants from Vermont Humanities, the Vermont Arts Council and the Morris and Bessie Altman Foundation.
YOC Fall Workshop: Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas
Join the talented teen singers of the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Youth Opera program in their fall opera-scenes production: a spoof on a Gilbert & Sullivan podcast! Scenes from Iolanthe, Patience, and The Mikado have been woven into an inventive script by guest Stage Director Erik Kroncke. Music Director Mary Jane Austin leads from the piano.
No advance tickets - admission by donation at the door.
YOC Fall Workshop: Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas
Join the talented teen singers of the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Youth Opera program in their fall opera-scenes production: a spoof on a Gilbert & Sullivan podcast! Scenes from Iolanthe, Patience, and The Mikado have been woven into an inventive script by guest Stage Director Erik Kroncke. Music Director Mary Jane Austin leads from the piano.
No advance tickets - admission by donation at the door.
YOC Fall Workshop: Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas
Join the talented teen singers of the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Youth Opera program in their fall opera-scenes production: a spoof on a Gilbert & Sullivan podcast! Scenes from Iolanthe, Patience, and The Mikado have been woven into an inventive script by guest Stage Director Erik Kroncke. Music Director Mary Jane Austin leads from the piano.
No advance tickets - admission by donation at the door.
OCM Mainstage: SCALIA/GINSBURG with THE INTERLOPERS
Save the date for Scalia/Ginsburg with The Interlopers!
OCM Mainstage: SCALIA/GINSBURG with “THE INTERLOPERS”
Save the date for our Fall 2024 production with full orchestra! Title to be announced soon.
OCM Mainstage: SCALIA/GINSBURG with “THE INTERLOPERS”
Save the date for Scalia/Ginsburg with The Interlopers!
Youth Opera Company: Project Serenade at Island Arts
Project Serenade concerts feature Youth Opera singers from current and former productions and are a fundamental part of our community service. Concerts are offered for free at retirement residences, long-term care facilities and community centers throughout Vermont. This concert will be free to the public!
A benefit concert to fund the 2024 Project Serenade Concert Series.
For more information and to register, click here.
Youth Opera Company: Project Serenade at Shelburne Vineyard
Project Serenade concerts feature Youth Opera singers from current and former productions and are a fundamental part of our community service. Concerts are offered for free at retirement residences, long-term care facilities and community centers throughout Vermont. This concert will be free to the public!
A benefit concert to fund the 2024 Project Serenade Concert Series.
For more information and tickets, click here.
OCM Mainstage: LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT (The Daughter of the Regiment) Matinee
Save the date for this wonderful production with full orchestra! More info coming soon.
Young Artist Opera: Rossini’s LA SCALA DI SETA (The Silken Ladder)
Join us for this fully staged opera farce, Rossini’s LA SCALA DI SETA (The Silken Ladder), by our talented group of Spring 2024 Young Artists. More info coming soon.
OCM Mainstage: LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT (The Daughter of the Regiment)
Save the date for this wonderful production with full orchestra! More info coming soon.
OCM Mainstage: LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT (The Daughter of the Regiment) Cover Performance
Save the date for this wonderful production with our fabulous cover cast accompanied by piano! More info coming soon.
OCM Mainstage: LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT (The Daughter of the Regiment) Matinee
Save the date for this wonderful production with full orchestra! More info coming soon.
OCM Mainstage: LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT (The Daughter of the Regiment) Opening Night
Save the date for this wonderful production with full orchestra! More info coming soon.
MEET THE SINGERS
Join us to meet (and hear!) the cast of LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT. Each cast member will preset their favorite arias or music theater pieces… what a treat!
This event is a fundraiser. Ticket information will be updated once available (April 2024).
Youth Opera Company: A Country Store Opera
Featuring opera scenes and songs from the Italian bel canto tradition, A Country Store Opera showcases the talents of 14 Vermont teen singers from 10 different schools. The original story, written by YOC founder Sarah Cullins, takes place in the local country store of the fictional town of Venice, Vermont. You will meet Addie, the young store owner, Nemo, the townie who is in love with her, Duke, the moonshine kombucha brewer, Bella, the shepherdess who sells fruits and flowers at the farmer’s market, Johnny and Janet, the siblings who work at the store, Alma, their widowed aunt, Mark and Joe, the high school seniors who just came back from a trip abroad to Italy, Tessa and Vicky, the high school girls who are fascinated by their tales of the “real” Venice, and finally, Kat and Tabby, two formerly cranky goth NYC teens who moved to VT during the pandemic and ultimately adopted Vermont as their home. With support and product donation from local businesses such as Vermont Flannel, Vermont Smoke and Cure and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, this production celebrates Vermont traditions, Vermont products and Vermont talent! Led from the piano by YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin.
This event is made possible as a part of Stowe Performing Arts’ Noon Music in May series.
Met Live in HD Presents: LA RONDINE
On January 6, ancient Babylon comes to life in a classic Met staging of biblical proportions. Baritone George Gagnidze makes his Met role debut as the imperious king Nabucco, alongside soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska reprising her thrilling turn as his vengeful daughter Abigaille.
Youth Opera Company: Italian Night at AO Glass
Come celebrate the beauty of the Italian traditions of opera and Venetian style glass blowing at the AO Social Club. An enchanting evening that seamlessly blends the timeless craft of glass blowing with the soaring melodies of opera!
Your ticket includes Italian wine and appetizers by Dedalus and beer by Zero Gravity. Co-sponsored by the Vermont Italian Cultural Association.
On the AO stage: Teen stars from the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Youth Opera Company will delight audiences with songs and opera scenes from Italian bel canto composers such as Donizetti and Rossini. Accompanied by pianist Mary Jane Austin.
By the AO furnace: Glass blowing demonstration by Maestro Rich Arentzen and AO staff making Italian wine glasses – a celebration of how fire, sand, and sweat can be transformed by skill, drive, and imagination!!
Youth Opera Company: A Country Store Opera
Featuring opera scenes and songs from the Italian bel canto tradition, A Country Store Opera showcases the talents of 14 Vermont teen singers from 10 different schools. The original story, written by YOC founder Sarah Cullins, takes place in the local country store of the fictional town of Venice, Vermont. You will meet Addie, the young store owner, Nemo, the townie who is in love with her, Duke, the moonshine kombucha brewer, Bella, the shepherdess who sells fruits and flowers at the farmer’s market, Johnny and Janet, the siblings who work at the store, Alma, their widowed aunt, Mark and Joe, the high school seniors who just came back from a trip abroad to Italy, Tessa and Vicky, the high school girls who are fascinated by their tales of the “real” Venice, and finally, Kat and Tabby, two formerly cranky goth NYC teens who moved to VT during the pandemic and ultimately adopted Vermont as their home. With support and product donation from local businesses such as Vermont Flannel, Vermont Smoke and Cure and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, this production celebrates Vermont traditions, Vermont products and Vermont talent! Led from the piano by YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin.
Youth Opera Company: A Country Store Opera
Featuring opera scenes and songs from the Italian bel canto tradition, A Country Store Opera showcases the talents of 14 Vermont teen singers from 10 different schools. The original story, written by YOC founder Sarah Cullins, takes place in the local country store of the fictional town of Venice, Vermont. You will meet Addie, the young store owner, Nemo, the townie who is in love with her, Duke, the moonshine kombucha brewer, Bella, the shepherdess who sells fruits and flowers at the farmer’s market, Johnny and Janet, the siblings who work at the store, Alma, their widowed aunt, Mark and Joe, the high school seniors who just came back from a trip abroad to Italy, Tessa and Vicky, the high school girls who are fascinated by their tales of the “real” Venice, and finally, Kat and Tabby, two formerly cranky goth NYC teens who moved to VT during the pandemic and ultimately adopted Vermont as their home. With support and product donation from local businesses such as Vermont Flannel, Vermont Smoke and Cure and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, this production celebrates Vermont traditions, Vermont products and Vermont talent! Led from the piano by YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin.
Youth Opera Company: A Country Store Opera
Featuring opera scenes and songs from the Italian bel canto tradition, A Country Store Opera showcases the talents of 14 Vermont teen singers from 10 different schools. The original story, written by YOC founder Sarah Cullins, takes place in the local country store of the fictional town of Venice, Vermont. You will meet Addie, the young store owner, Nemo, the townie who is in love with her, Duke, the moonshine kombucha brewer, Bella, the shepherdess who sells fruits and flowers at the farmer’s market, Johnny and Janet, the siblings who work at the store, Alma, their widowed aunt, Mark and Joe, the high school seniors who just came back from a trip abroad to Italy, Tessa and Vicky, the high school girls who are fascinated by their tales of the “real” Venice, and finally, Kat and Tabby, two formerly cranky goth NYC teens who moved to VT during the pandemic and ultimately adopted Vermont as their home. With support and product donation from local businesses such as Vermont Flannel, Vermont Smoke and Cure and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, this production celebrates Vermont traditions, Vermont products and Vermont talent! Led from the piano by YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin.
Met Live in HD Presents: ROMEO ET JULIETTE
On March 27 (rebroadcast), two singers at the height of their powers—radiant soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor sensation Benjamin Bernheim—come together as the star-crossed lovers in Gounod’s sumptuous Shakespeare adaptation, with Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct one of the repertoire’s most romantic scores.
Met Live in HD Presents: LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
On March 9, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s grand tale of ill-fated love, deadly vendettas, and family strife, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen as the noble Leonora, one of the repertory’s most tormented—and thrilling—heroines.
Met Live in HD Presents: CARMEN
On January 31 (rebroadcast), acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell brings a vital new production of one of opera’s most enduringly powerful works, reinvigorating the classic story with a staging that moves the action to the modern day and finds at the heart of the drama issues that could not be more relevant today: gendered violence, abusive labor structures, and the desire to break through societal boundaries.
YOC's The Dido & Aeneas Project
All 85 members of the choral program at Colchester High School perform this timeless 17th century opera by Henry Purcell. This second installment of Youth Opera’s Dido and Aeneas Project continues the mission of putting the students’ input front and center while crafting a totally unique production reflecting their distinctive understanding and perspective of the piece.