Danbury Concert Association concludes 2025/26 series June 7 with Sophie Shao & Friends

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) will conclude its 2025/26 season on Sunday, June 7, with a program designed to feel both celebratory and deeply personal: the return of acclaimed cellist Sophie Shao, joined by four highly acclaimed musical professionals—violinist Carmit Zori, violist Cora Pogossian, bassist Max Zeugner, and pianist Amy I‑Lin Cheng.

 The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall in the Visual Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside campus—an intimate, in-the-round venue known for warm acoustics and a welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Single tickets for the June 7 concert are $25 and may be purchased online, at wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com, or at the VPAC Box Office (203-837-8732) up to curtain time. Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission.

For DCA audiences, Shao’s return is more than a season finale—it is the kind of artist-centered homecoming the organization has long championed. It reflects a rare concert experience defined by world-class musicianship in a setting where every seat feels close, every phrase feels immediate, and the post-concert conversation remains part of the tradition.

 

Shao and her fellow performers will present three works, each offering a distinctive voice and atmosphere. Elena Ruehr’s Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 brings modern expressiveness and rich color, highlighting the lyrical warmth of Shao’s cello and the refined sensitivity of pianist Amy I-Lin Cheng. The program continues with a deeply meaningful tribute to Danbury’s own Charles Ives, who’s Piano Trio is especially fitting in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Following intermission, the afternoon concludes with Franz Schubert’s Quintet for Piano and Strings in A major, D. 667 (“The Trout”). With its buoyant variations and luminous lyricism, the beloved work offers an uplifting and generous finish to the season, bringing the concert to a joyful close.

That spirit of connection continues after the performance, as each DCA concert is followed by a meet-the-artists reception open to all, reinforcing the series’ tradition of community.

 

The June 7 season finale will also offer a first look at the 2026/27 series that includes: Ying Li, piano on September 20, 2026, Camerata RCO, chamber music orchestra on October 25, 2026, Kathryn Lewek, soprano, and Zach Borichesvsky, tenor on March 21, 2027, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet on June 6, 2027.  Special subscription pricing for the new season will be available at www.danburyconcert.org beginning June 8.

About the Danbury Concert Association

The Danbury Concert Association is a nonprofit organization with roots dating back to the 1930s. Officially spun off from the Danbury Music Centre in 1957, the Association has brought internationally renowned talent to Connecticut every year since, with the exception of the COVID era. Today, performances are held at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University, in a state of the art facility. Each series features four concerts, two in the fall and two in the spring. Every performance begins at 3:00 p.m. and is followed by a reception with the artists.

 

Wine, Cheese & Art Please A Garden Party to Savor at the Glebe House Museum

 In the early days of summer, as fragrant blooms fill the air and golden light drifts through historic trees and gardens, the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden—one of earliest historic house museums in the country invites you to experience something truly extraordinary. On Saturday, May 30th (Rain Date: May 31st) from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, the museum will host a festive fundraiser, “Wine, Cheese & Art Please,” at 49 Hollow Road in Woodbury. The celebration unfolds in the museum’s renowned Gertrude Jekyll Garden, designed in 1926 by the famed English horticultural designer, writer, and artist Gertrude Jekyll. Influential in shaping modern garden design, Jekyll’s work is revered around the world—and this garden remains the only surviving example of her design in the United States.

Adding artistic vibrancy to the event are 12 talented artists, showcasing work in a rich array of styles and media. From abstract canvases to delicate pastels, charcoal portraits to cutting-edge digital work, ceramics to poetry books, there is truly something for every art lover. Guests can watch works come to life, commission original pieces, and even sit for a portrait! Participating artists include: Raffaela Arcamone, Becky Butler, Sandy Carlson, Sharon Curran, Sandra Daignault, Sharon Famiglietti, David Jean, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, Kathleen L’Hommedieu, Lucy Pierpont, Christiane Schmohl, and Aaliyah Willets. Every purchase serves a purpose: 20% of all art sales support the Glebe House Museum, a National Historic Landmark that has operated as a museum for 101 years. A silent auction featuring specially selected items will provide yet another opportunity to support the museum’s preservation efforts. 

Guests are invited to indulge in a selection of tasty bites, each chosen to elevate the experience. The menu features delectable cheeses from New Curds on the Block, fresh oysters supplied by To the Gills, and an enticing array of sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres. Enhancing these culinary offerings is a selection of fine wines, including the renowned Walker Road Vineyard’s “Gertrude’s Garden.” Each pairing has been selected to enhance this historic setting, creating an atmosphere perfect for lingering and savoring every moment. With glass in hand and surrounded by natural beauty and intriguing pieces of art, this promises to be an experience to remember, while supporting history for future generations. 

 

Guests will also have the unique opportunity to explore the main floor of the Glebe House during the early evening hours—a rare occasion, as the home is seldom open to the public at this time. Authentically furnished to reflect its Revolutionary War era origins, the house offers an immersive glimpse into the daily life of Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, who once resided in the “glebe.” Touring these historic rooms in the soft, ambient light provides an atmospheric experience, evoking what life might have been like before electricity, when candlelight softly illuminated the walls. 

Whether you come for the wine & bites, the art, the historic home, or the internationally celebrated garden, “Wine, Cheese & Art Please” promises a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and preservation. All proceeds from Wine, Cheese & Art directly benefit the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, ensuring that its history, garden, and educational programs continue for generations to come.

Event Details: 

What: Wine, Cheese & Art Please 

Where: Glebe House Museum 49 Hollow Road, Woodbury

When: Saturday, May 30th (Rain Date: May 31st) 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Tickets: $30 per person For online ticket purchases and additional information, visit: http://www.glebehousemuseum.org

To reserve tickets by check or cash 203-263-2855 / office@glebehousemuseum.org 

 

About the Glebe House & Garden 

Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.

Sail Into History: Explore Greens Ledge & Sheffield Island Lighthouses

 Ready to experience maritime history like never before? This summer, the Norwalk Seaport Association and the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society invite you aboard a truly one-of-a-kind, five-hour lighthouse adventure—an immersive journey to two iconic beacons of New England history. Mark your calendars for three exclusive Saturdays: June 6, July 11, and August 8. Departing at 8:30 a.m. from the Seaport’s dock on 90 Water Street, in Norwalk, and returning by 1:30 p.m. This unforgettable cruise blends history, legend, architecture, and breathtaking coastal views into a single spectacular experience. Reserve your tickets at seaport.org. 

Greens Ledge Lighthouse — Legends & Rare Architecture

The journey begins with a scenic cruise through Norwalk Harbor, setting your sights on one of America’s rarest maritime treasures: Greens Ledge Light. Built in 1902, this historic “Spark Plug” lighthouse is one of only 33 surviving examples in the United States, making it a true bucket-list destination for maritime enthusiasts.

Following an extensive restoration, Greens Ledge Light is now open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore its storied halls. Visitors can discover the Beacon Room, which houses the still active automated light, as well as the Trombos Research Center and the historic Maclean Watch Room. The outdoor deck, furnished with Adirondack chairs, provides sweeping views of the coastline—perfect for soaking in the harbor’s natural beauty.

 

Steeped in rich history and legend—including captivating tales of pirates and buried treasure—Greens Ledge Light invites guests to experience history as living storytelling, creating unforgettable memories on the Long Island Sound.

Sheffield Island Lighthouse — Victorian Grandeur

Next, the boat charts a course for the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a Victorian-era landmark built in 1868. At this National Historic Site, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a living tapestry of maritime history replete with pirates, smugglers, and bootleggers! Climb the lighthouse tower for breathtaking, panoramic views that extend all the way to the Manhattan skyline. Inside, thoughtfully restored rooms showcase the authentic details of 19th-century lighthouse living, offering a glimpse into the past.

 

Guests can unwind and enjoy a leisurely picnic in a shaded seaside pavilion, taking in the unparalleled waterfront scenery. This stop blends history, exploration, and relaxation, providing the perfect setting to wander, reflect, and soak in the unique coastal charm on this private island.

 

This one-of-a-kind cruise is perfect for solo explorers, families, or groups of friends seeking a unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty.

 

Make It a Full Summer of Seafaring

Experience more than just the lighthouse cruises to Sheffield Island and Greens Ledge this season with the Seaport Association’s diverse lineup of seasonal activities. Throughout the 2026 season, guests can embark on daily and weekends cruises to Sheffield Island or unwind on relaxing Sunset Cruises through Norwalk Harbor. For those looking to indulge in coastal cuisine, Clambakes on Tuesdays in July and August on Sheffield Island offer a delicious New England feast. Families and adventurers of all ages can join the fun at the swashbuckling Pirates Day festivities on July 18 & 19—perfect for every scallywag at heart. Explore the full season lineup at seaport.org