About the Event

Our concert at Barre Opera House explores the emotional depth, strength, and transformation of women navigating the passage of time. Our program brings together works that tell stories of waiting and longing, but also of resilience and reinvention—of women who have put their lives on hold and those who have found ways to make them sustainable.

From there, we step into the shimmering worlds of Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte, where familiar modern melodies take on new life through the elegance of a string quartet. The selections—Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift, POV by Ariana Grande, and Nobody Gets Me by SZA—offer a different perspective on love, longing, and self-preservation. These songs, transformed into sweeping classical arrangements, remind us that while some women may find themselves waiting, others are carving out space for their own stories, reimagining what love and fulfillment look like on their own terms.

Penelope by Sarah Kirkland Snider, is a song cycle that reimagines Homer’s Odyssey through the perspective of a woman left behind. In this modern retelling, Penelope is not just waiting—she is remembering, questioning, and ultimately reclaiming her own identity. Through Snider’s richly textured music and poetic lyricism, we experience the weight of time and the ache of uncertainty, but also the quiet strength of a woman finding her voice. Watch the Trailer of this remarkable piece here.

This concert is a journey through the tension between holding on and moving forward, between waiting and self-sufficiency. It is a tribute to the women who have had to pause their lives—and to those who have found ways to make them sustainable, even in uncertainty.

Enjoy the sounds of Vermont's top talented musicians at the Barre Opera House, featuring: Mary Bonhag, soprano, Mary Rowell, violin, Brooke Quiggins, violin, Liz Reid, viola, John Dunlop, cello, Geoffrey Kim, guitar, Nicholas Browne, string bass, Jane Boxall, percussion, Katie Semro, keyboard, and Anne Decker conducting.

Silent Auction

Vermont Artist, Arthur Zorn (artzorn.com) has given four of his acrylic on canvas paintings for a silent auction, with proceeds to be donated to Brook Street High School (Barre), and TURNmusic. The lobby of the Opera House will feature an exhibition of additional paintings by Mr. Zorn. His art will visually reflect his contemplations, emotions, and deconstructed scenes inspired from the song texts by Ellen McLaughlin.

The art exhibition by Arthur Zorn, silent auction and musicians reception will be held after the March 30th performance. The lobby of the Barre Opera House will open one hour before when the art can be viewed prior to the performance. The exhibition will be available for viewing after the March 30th by calling the Barre Opera House for availability at 802-476-8188

Founded in 2003, Brook Street High School is a State of Vermont approved education provider serving pregnant and parenting high school students with a child in the birth to age 5 range (not yet in kindergarten) . Located at the historic Brook Street School in Barre, we are part of Capstone’s Head Start Program. Accessing a full array of services, students not only graduate from high school but are empowered to build happy and healthy lives. https://capstonevt.org/high-school-programming

Silent Auction to Benefit Brook Street High School and TURNmusic