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TORRINGTON
ARTS & CULTURE
 Arts and cultural endeavors in Torrington are more than what would be expected of a community this size. The two most prominent anchors are the Warner Theatre and The Nutmeg Conservatory, which offer performances and instruction year round. The two stand side by side in newly restored facilities as the architectural centerpiece of the historic Main Street district.
The Warner Theatre was built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened on August 19, 1931, as a movie palace. Described as “Connecticut's Most Beautiful Theatre,” it contained stunning art-deco designs, murals of historic Litchfield County sites, and a magnificent star-shaped chandelier in the auditorium. Following a 1955 flood and subsequent years of neglect, a group of concerned citizens saved the theatre from the wrecking ball and reopened the Warner as a performing arts center on May 22,1983 with a recreation of the 1931 Gala - featuring vintage cars, marching bands, and the Nutmeg Ballet's production of Coppelia.
 Today, the theatre has been restored to its former 1931 glory, having been designated a National Historic Site, drawing community and state support, a loyal patronage, and new fans every season. Whether producing community-based musical and theatrical favorites, presenting exclusive engagements with some of the most notable national acts, creating original dance and music shows, or hosting New England's premier arts organizations, the Warner has become Northwest Connecticut's regional center
for the arts.
The Warner's neighbor, the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, is the parent of the Nutmeg Ballet, well known in dance circles as a premier training facility. Founded in 1970 by Sharon E. Dante, the Nutmeg Ballet has always been committed to producing world-class dancers through quality pre-professional training, education and performance opportunities for serious young dance students.
Throughout the year, the Ballet maintains a complete performance season including Fall Repertoire, Spring Repertoire, and the International Summer Festival. Students also appear in full-length productions such as Nutcracker, Coppelia, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and other classics. The Nutmeg Conservatory's expanded music program, under the musical direction of Houry M. Schmeizl, seeks to provide students with self-discipline, confidence and life-long skills.
 Another downtown cultural attraction is Artwell Gallery, a community arts organization serving Northwest Connecticut. Founded in 1995 by director Stewart Wilson, Artwell has steadily grown and evolved into a major cultural force, enriching the lives of the people who participate in the many exhibitions, performances, and special events held throughout the year. The Gallery provides an open forum for all people to be able to express themselves and share their creativity, meet their
neighbors and experience the wonderful talents of the artistic community. Artwell is teaming with the City of Torrington through the 2008-2009 season for a public mural competition. For more information go to Mural Competition.
 There are many other visual and performing arts organizations in the area ranging from the Trinity Arts Series to the Torrington Civic Symphony. Chorus Angelicus, the well-known professional children's choir is based in Torrington, as is the McArdle Schools, host of the Torrington Feis, which brings 400 Irish Dancers to the City for an annual competition. Other cultural groups such as the Torrington Historical Society and the Torrington Library team with the volunteers of
“Jazz in the Park”, “First Night Torrington” and the “Torrington Arts Festival” to make this City bustle with arts excitement year round. | |
