DANBURY – The Danbury Music Centre (DMC) has spent the past 90 years enriching lives through music and performing arts including inclusive community music experiences for all ages through ensembles, performances and educational opportunities.
“We’re proud to celebrate 90 years of music-making for the greater Danbury area,” said Executive Director Laura Flachbart, who credits the nonprofit’s longevity to a strong foundation of community support and volunteerism.
“This milestone reminds us of the lasting power of the arts and inspires us to carry that legacy forward for generations to come. The dedication of our musicians, conductors, donors, and audiences keeps us thriving. We believe that music builds community, enriches lives, and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience.”
Located at 256 Main St. in downtown, DMC is a nonprofit community arts organization that offers opportunities for ages and abilities to make and enjoy music.
“Our Danbury Symphony Annual Young People’s Concert is often a young person’s first exposure to a live orchestra,” Flachbart said. “We love that our programs bring multiple generations together under one musical roof and foster a life-long love of music.”
The Centre sponsors a range of ensembles, including the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, Danbury Community Orchestra, Danbury Concert Chorus, DMC Community Band, Danbury Centre Strings, Summer Strings, Summer Bands, and Chamber Music Intensive. Its annual Nutcracker Ballet – one of DMC’s biggest annual fundraisers and longest running show for more than 50 years – features about 200 dancers and is one of the few productions in the state that includes a live symphony orchestra that plays Tchaikovsky’s score in its entirety.
Also, it offers educational programming that bring people together to share the joy of live performance.
Most of the DMC performances are offered for free. “Affordability and accessibility are a core part of the Centre’s mission – ensuring that music remains accessible to families, students, and the wider community,” said Michael Bank, board president. “Our annual performances of the Nutcracker Ballet are the only ticketed events and ticket prices run from $10-$35.”
According to Flachbart, the DMC’s mission is to foster musical excellence and participation by providing inclusive opportunities for learning, performance, and appreciation. “While our core values remain the same, we’ve continually evolved and expanded programs, embracing new collaborations and engaging with younger generations through education and outreach,” she said.
Like other nonprofits, the DMC depends heavily on community support through donations, corporate and individual sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events.
“On average, the DMC aims to raise $450,000 annually through donations, grants, and fundraising efforts,” Flachbart said. “These funds support artistic leadership, program costs, youth ensembles, community concerts, and operational costs.”
Despite facing the challenge of balancing rising costs and dwindling grant monies, some years they’ve exceeded expectations and others fell short. “Thankfully we have not needed to make large cuts to our programming and budget constraints are managed through careful planning, grant support, community partnerships, and an ongoing commitment to efficiency,” she added.
The DMC presents dozens of events and concerts each year, including orchestral concerts, choral programs, chamber music, youth ensembles, and special community collaborations.
“For fundraising, the Centre uses a combination of approaches:” Bank said. “One major annual campaign, our Founder’s Day Campaign in April of each year, and this year our 90th Anniversary Campaign, supplemented by smaller initiatives throughout the year, such as Giving Tuesday, appeal letters, Nutcracker Ballet, Virtual 5K Fundraiser, silent movie events with live music, and our Jazz Brunch with silent auction,” said Bank.
The Centre has played an integral role in Flachbart’s life for more than 50 years.
“It’s been a part of my life since the 1970s when I began my musical journey playing the cello in the Summer Strings program,” she said.
Under her leadership, and with a supportive board of directors, Flachbart has modernized the Centre’s communications, refreshed its programming, and continued to build partnerships.
The Centre will conclude its season with a series of holiday events.
“These concerts are a joyful way to bring the community together and celebrate both the season and our milestone year,” said Flachbart. “Our 90th Season will continue into June of 2026 with a total of 22 performances.”