Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Inc. is a NYS nonprofit corporation that owns and operates two National Register theaters and the region’s orchestra. The 944-seat Bardavon in Poughkeepsie is the state’s oldest continuously operating theater and one of the US’s oldest. The 1500-seat Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston was built in 1927. The Bardavon acquired the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in 1999 (now in its 51st season), and merged UPAC into our operation in 2007. The Bardavon consistently presents quality music/dance/theater/classic films in both venues. Since 1994 the Bardavon has united artists, businesses, and government to produce outdoor events that draw thousands of residents and visitors to the region annually, providing free access to superb art as a source of community pride, urban revitalization and cultural tourism. Our Education Program partners with regional schools on both sides of the river to offer unique arts-based learning for students and innovative tools for teachers. The continued restoration and preservation our landmark theaters are also a vital aspect of our mission
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