Livermore’s thriving arts and culture scene is supported by the community’s support and enthusiasm. Livermore is in a charming city not far from San Francisco in northern California. Located in the Bay Area, Livermore has a number of good museums that offer a glimpse into the history of the area where Livermore now sits. A popular historical site is the Carnegie Museum, which focuses on local history.
The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center is another good venue in the city. This is located in downtown Livermore in the Bankhead Theater. The center offers a variety of entertainment from the visual and performing arts in the city. Performances include opera, live music concerts, international showcases, dance and events.
Other worthy arts and culture offerings here include:
The Del Valle Fine Arts presents world class chamber music concerts at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore. The 2012 - 2013 season includes five concerts by Jasper Wood and David Riley, Alexander Schimpf, Chiara String Quartet, Archetti Baroque Ensemble, and Debussy Trio. Season tickets are available in addition to single ticket sales.
Livermore Valley Opera stages its annual Opera in the Vineyard, a casual event where guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy their evening at the gorgeous Retzlaff Vineyards. This year a sampling of favorite arias by Bay Area opera singers were from the Opera’s upcoming season of La Boheme and La Traviata.
Livermore-Amador Symphony is Livermore’s orchestra presenting live performances to the public. The Symphony also supports the Valley Dance Theatre productions of the Nutcracker each December. The Symphony began in 1963 when women from the Livermore-Pleasanton branch of the American Association of University Women identified the need for an amateur orchestra in the Tri-Valley area. the organization has since become and orchestra of approximately 60 musicians, from teenagers to mature musicians. The Symphony performs at the Livermore's Bankhead Theater.
Valley Dance Theater stages two professionally staged productions every year. During the holiday season, accompanied by the Livermore-Amador Symphony, the Company presents a full-length performance of The Nutcracker. The Company also stages a variety showcase during the year of local talent and choreography. Valley Dance Theatre runs an affiliated school offering classical dance training in the East Bay.
Pacific Chamber Symphony is a professional symphony orchestra led by Lawrence Kohl. Each season consists of three to five concerts featuring music from the classical masters Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and new works from local Bay Area composers.
The Bothwell Arts Center acts as an incubator for the arts. There’s a variety of classrooms and event spaces. Actors, singers, musicians, and other artists gather here.
There also are a number of much-anticipated events that take place in Livermore that reflect the emphasis on arts and culture. One great example is the ArtWalk Livermore in October. The other is Art Happens which takes place on the second Thursday of every month in downtown Livermore from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are exhibitions, open studios and many more activities for everyone. There’s live music and the art galleries are open. Parking is free, and guests are encouraged to walk.
Besides the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, there also is a 2,000-seat regional theater in the South Livermore area that is set to open in 2014.
