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Rochester Arts and Culture

Rochester offers a full variety of arts and entertainment to residents and visitors.

Rochester is home to a unique Opera House, sitting atop City Hall. Designed by architect and Rochester, New Hampshire native George Gilman Adams, the 800 seat Rochester Opera House first opened its doors to the public on Memorial Day in 1908. It is one of only four theaters designed and built with an elaborate and unique movable floor that can be inclined to a raked position for theatrical performances and lowered flat for dances and other community events. It was discovered after extensive research that it is the only theater of its kind with this floor still standing in the United States today. After being closed for almost 25 years, a significant campaign to restore the Opera House commenced in 1996. Due to the generous support of countless benefactors and volunteers, the doors of the Opera House reopened in 1997 and has been a hallmark for live performance for the greater Rochester area since.

Along with a few beloved regulars of the Opera House like Tim Sample, Tommy Makem and the holiday classic Nutcracker, during our 2005-2006 season we will be featuring performances by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, a Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper reunion concert, the Strafford Wind Symphony, Jonathan Edwards and much, much more. With spectacular shows and cost-effective ticket pricing, over the years the Opera House has been heralded as an institution widely respected for the quality and accessibility of its productions.

The history, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, character, gorgeous paint and stencil work and ingenious architectural design of the Opera House all combine to create a performing arts venue unlike any other in the world. For more information about the Rochester Opera House, please visit our website at www.RochesterOperaHouse.com or to contact our box office regarding tickets, please call (603) 335-1992.

Arts Rochester is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing public appreciation of, and participation in, the arts by providing opportunities for public performances and exhibits, community education and outreach, and artistic networking. Based in the historic Gonic Mills, Arts Rochester offers the opportunity for children and adults to participate in all forms of the performing arts with a professional faculty. Classes, workshops and master classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern Salsa, Swing, Ballroom, Belly Dance, Yoga, African, theatre, piano, voice, flute, guitar, violin, art, photography, gymnastics, small children’s dance, Kinder Musik and Baby Sign. The studios include three dance studios, a studio theatre, two music rooms and art and conference space, looking out over the spectacular Salmon Falls. It is a place where everyone can experience the joy of the arts.

The Rochester Recreation, Arena & Youth Services provides their Concert on the Common program – an 8-week summer outdoor music series held July to August offering music from country to jazz to classical. Each summer the concerts kick off the 4th of July with the 39th Army National Guard Band playing patriotic music on July 1 at 7pm.

Dance instruction studios are also located throughout the city offering children and adults the opportunity to learn and enjoy several forms of dance including ballet, jazz, tap and more. Martial arts instruction is also available in the city.

The nearby Whittemore Center provides a wide variety of entertainment and sporting activities including the Boston Pops, concerts, ice and gymnastic shows, and University of New Hampshire hockey games.