The Chandler Center for the Arts has been a part of Randolph since 1907. Supported by individuals, businesses, and foundations, this community-based arts organization offers year-round programs, art exhibits, and educational opportunities.

The Center consists of three main venues: the Music Hall, the Chandler Gallery, and the Esther Mesh Room.

Music Hall

Known for its acoustics, the Music Hall is a 575-seat auditorium that hosts world-renowned musicians and local performances. Musical acts cover a range of genres, from classical and traditional to folk, jazz, popular music, and Celtic and French Canadian music. Dance and theatre performances also grace the stage along with special celebrations featuring local musicians and actors.

Chandler Gallery

The main gallery for the Center hosts an average of eight exhibits a year from a diverse selection of artists and craftspeople who work in a wide range of media. When scheduling each exhibit, the Center strives to time them so that they complement the performances happening in the Music Hall.

The Main Gallery is a great place to not only enjoy art, but to host receptions, special talks, demonstrations, and workshops.

Recently, Chandler opened the Downstairs Gallery, which hosts 6-week exhibits in a more intimate space that’s perfect for solo artists or small group shows.

Esther Mesh Room in the Upper Gallery

Another open, yet inviting space, the Esther Mesh Room offers space for intimate performances, community events, rehearsals, informal meetings, and educational workshops. It also hosts ongoing weekly activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, and swing and line dance classes.

Festivals

Chandler sponsors three annual festivals – the New World Festival, Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival, and the Vermont Pride Theater Summer Festival.

Held Labor Day weekend, the New World Festival celebrates Vermont’s Celtic and French Canadian heritage with music and dance. It draws more than 70 performers from all over New England, Canada, and the British Isles for a day of concerts, workshops, children’s activities, food and drink. The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has permanently awarded this event as a Time-Honored Event for Vermont.

For 26 seasons the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival has celebrated world-class music such as works by Beethoven, Bach, Strauss, Handel, and Mozart with chamber performances, children’s concerts, and special events. Performances feature solo musicians, duets, trios, and ensembles.

Nearing its tenth season, the Vermont Pride Theater Summer Festival offers three plays each summer that aim to build bridges of understanding between LGBTQ Vermonters and their families, friends, and communities. Each of the three plays if performed twice throughout the festival.

Youth Program

Chandler has an extensive youth program that includes a fully-staged Broadway musical featuring over 100 area children and a technical theater program for high school students interested in learning more about theater production. Their Daytime Performance Series offers students aged pre-K through grade 12, their schools, and families, age-appropriate daytime performances. And though geared towards the school-age audience, these performances are also open to the public.

Visit the Chandler website for a full list of upcoming performances, exhibits, and special events.

[box title=”Get to Know More of Randolph!” bg_color=”#dbf3f1″ align=”left”] Our Explore Randolph series takes a closer look at some of the businesses, organizations, and services that make Randolph such a vibrant and special place to live.
Explore Randolph »
[/box]