Virginia Opera has named John-Paul Schaefer to the position of General Director and CEO, effective July 1, 2025. He previously served six months as Interim General Director, managing the company through the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia.” “I am honored to be entrusted with this role at such an important moment for Virginia Opera,” said Schaefer, whose previous experience {…}
Virginia Opera has announced the contract extension of Adam Turner as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor through the 2027-2028 season. Turner has served as Artistic Director since 2018 and has been a driving force behind Virginia Opera’s continued artistic growth and national recognition. In a statement, Mike Lott, Chair of the Board, said, “Adam’s leadership has positioned Virginia Opera as {…}
(Photo credit Dave Pearson Photography) During the pandemic, Virginia Opera (VO) made plans to celebrate their fiftieth season, in 2024-25, exploring potential subjects for a commission. In recent talkbacks and receptions, Artistic Director Adam Turner emphasized that the company desired a Virginia-based story for this occasion. Ultimately they settled on that of Richard and Mildred Loving, the appellants in the {…}
After being informed of the termination of a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for its production of “Loving V. Virginia,” Virginia Opera has launched a crowdfunding campaign via GoFundMe to recoup some funds in support of the Virginia Opera Association. The goal of the campaign is raise $6,000 which recently closed out its run in {…}
The Virginia Opera has announced its 2025-26 season featuring three productions. The works will be performed at the Harrison Opera House, Dominion Energy Center, and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University. Rossini’s “Cinderella” opens the season. Performance Dates: Nov. 7-23, 2025 Next up, Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s “Intelligence” will be performed. The work is based upon {…}
In 1959, Richard Loving, a white man, and his wife Mildred Loving, a woman of color were convicted of violating the Racial Integrity Act of 1924 in Virginia. They were sentenced to prison by Judge Leon M. Bazile, but the sentence was suspended on the condition that they leave their home state and never return. The Lovings appealed their case {…}
Virginia Opera announced that John-Paul Schaefer will take on the role of Interim General Director & CEO for the company, effective Jan. 1, 2025. He has been with the Virginia Opera since 2018 as Managing Director and Director of Development for Central and Northern Virginia. “John-Paul Schaefer’s extensive background and successful track record in arts management equips him to effectively {…}
UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect cast announcements and the change of the original production. Originally, per a season announcement, the company was supposed to present Richard Wagner’s “Twilight of the Gods” in an adaptation by Jonathan Dove and Graham Vick. But now the company is presenting “Don Giovanni” instead. The original piece was published on Feb. 5, {…}
Virginia Opera has announced that Peggy Kriha Miller will step down from her position as General Director and CEO in 2025. Among the major highlights of Miller’s tenure include the Strategic Plan, which placed an emphasis on equity and inclusion. “It has been an honor to lead Virginia Opera during such a pivotal moment in its history,” Miller said in {…}
Virginia Opera has announced a major change to its 2024-25 season. The company revealed that instead of performing “Götterdämmerung” to open the season, it will kick off its 50th anniversary with “Don Giovanni.” In an official press statement, the company noted that financial considerations forced the substitution. “As we strive to maintain the highest standards of artistic excellence while also {…}
Virginia Opera is set to present Damien Geter’s “Cotton.” The song cycle, which premiered as part of LyricFest’s 20th anniversary season, celebrates African-American heritage through a fusion between music and poetry inspired by the photography of Philadelphia artist John Dowell. Audiences will hear baritone Adam Richardson and mezzo-soprano Tesia Kwarteng, with the composer attending select performances. Performances kick off on {…}