Vergennes Opera House to Present First Fully Accessible Season
Patti Casey and the Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra headline the historic Vermont venue's upcoming lineup.
The Friends of the Vergennes Opera House have announced the full line up of performances as part of the historic theater's 2026-2027 season. This season marks the first time in the theater's history where it is 100% accessible to everyone (audiences and performers alike). The Vergennes Opera House recently completed the All Access Project, a $2M project that included the construction of an elevator tower to the second floor theater space among other accessible improvements.
“The programming team worked on the planning for this season with an extra dose of enthusiasm now that the theater is 100% accessible,” said Gerianne Smart, President of the Friends of the Vergennes Opera House. “The entire team is looking forward to hosting a full season of shows in the historic theater, starting with a return visit from Vergennes-Native Patti Casey on Saturday, September 26."
This year's season starts in late September and ends in late April of next year.
Here's the season line-up:
Patti Casey, Colin McCaffrey & Eric O'Hara
Saturday, September 26, 7:30pm
This trio closed out the 2023 season with a sold out and enthusiastic crowd. The trio moves effortlessly across the Americana landscape, from classic country and swing to unforgettable originals. They deliver devastatingly gorgeous vocal harmonies and world class instrumental artistry with an easy confidence and intimate humor built on years of performing and loving every minute of playing together. Sponsored by Gaines Insurance
Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday, October 10, 7:30pm
In the spring of 2004, two VSO string players Violinist David Gusakov and cellist Dieuwke Davydov invited the community of classically trained musicians to audition for the orchestra. They selected over 55 qualified string, wind and brass players to begin rehearsals at the Vergennes Opera House. The orchestra, though “birthed” in the VOH, was too big to play on the stage and thus has never had a full performance in the historic theater. This all changes on October 10 with a special "homecoming" event showcasing the incredible musicianship of the full orchestra. To accommodate this large orchestra, they will be performing on the audience level with some of the displaced audience seating on the stage. NOT to be missed!
Roots to Sky: Moira Smiley & Rasa String Quartet
Saturday, October 17, 7pm
This is a production of the Otter Creek Music Festival in collaboration with Vermont Public. This performance brings together voice, banjo, piano and string quartet in lush, percussive arrangements of ancient and contemporary folk songs. The program explores the meeting point of classical and folk traditions, with works by Smiley, Caroline Shaw, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Sato Matsui performed collaboratively and by the quartet. Rooted in themes of connection, the music reflects the hidden networks that bind us across time, place and tradition — like rhizomes nourishing life beneath the surface. Rich, intimate and deeply resonant, this program offers the perfect balm for a fall evening.
Thanksgiving Community Hymn Sing
Sunday, November 22, 3pm
Local musicians from several area churches unite for this free community event. Sing along to traditional favorite hymns led by a full band of piano, guitar, bass, percussion, brass, and a special appearance by the Addison County Gospel Choir. Song books will be provided at the door. Free will offering at the door is appreciated.
Broadway Direct
Friday, December 11 at 7:30pm and Saturday, December12, matinee
Bill Carmichael Walsh brings another powerhouse show to the Little City, featuring singers/actors directly from the Broadway stage. Additionally, a few high school students are invited to participate in this much-loved production and seasonal favorite. Two shows, one evening and one matinee. Sponsored by the Markowski Family and the Hardy Family.
Cricket Blue
Saturday, January 16, 7:30pm
Indie folk musicians “complex from the core on out, fancy from go,” chamber folk music uniquely suited for the historic Vergennes Opera House. In fact, they film their music videos for their recently released, and critically acclaimed album “Sweet Animal”. They have a loyal following and have been recognized by Seven Daysie Awards for “Best Folk”.
LC Jazz Winter Thaw Concert
Saturday, February 6, 7:30pm
This is a free community concert/dance that has exploded in popularity over the years! It brings neighbors and friends out of their winter hibernation and into the warmth of the Vergennes Opera House. Benefits the student music scholarship fund. Fantastic music provided by many familiar faces in a 17-piece orchestra with singers to boot!
Cantrip
Saturday, March 20, 2027, 7:30pm
Pipe, guitar, fiddle, whistles, bouzouki, mandolin, and rich voices of these four musicians “blend to create a sound energetic enough to tear the roof off.” This eclectic band weaves the music of funk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and klezmer into their unique foot-stomping sound. THIS will be a very special treat!
Vermont Youth Orchestra Ensemble
Friday, April 9, 7pm
The VYO features the most advanced young musicians from Vermont, New Hampshire, and northern New York. Touring internationally, they have performed in Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, and China. Chamber ensembles will grace our stage and take full advantage of the astounding acoustics of the Vergennes Opera House.
Deb Brisson & The Hay Burners
Friday, April 23, 7:30pm
Season finale concert and dance party with Addison County's own rootsy country band. They've built a reputation for their blend of alt-country, blues, and rock. They cover many artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Alabama Shakes as well as perform a healthy dose of their own original material. Close out the VOH 2026-2027 season with a hoot of a great time!