Opera Roanoke will celebrate its 50th anniversary with “Love and Sacrifice: A Tribute to the Heart of Opera Roanoke.”

The showcase, set for Sept. 21, 2025, will also celebrate the final performances with the company for  Artistic Director Steven White, who is stepping down after over two decades at the helm. White took over the position in 1999 and has brought several major artists to perform with the company, including  Ailyn Pérez, Kallen Esperian, Elizabeth Futral, Rachele Gilmore, Jennifer Johnson Cano, Nicole Heaston, Yunah Lee, Stephen Costello, Bryan Hymel, Kyle Albertson, Clay Hilley, Barry Banks, Lawrence Brownlee, Dinyar Vania, Anthony Dean Griffey, Franco Pomponi and Stephen Powell, among others.

“It has been the singular privilege of my artistic life to have had the opportunity to learn and grow as a musician and a human being while serving as one of the leaders of this wonderful company in this most beautiful part of the world. I am particularly grateful for the musicians of our orchestra. They have been my inspirational partners every step of the way,” White said, per an official press release.

The concert will feature full performances of the final acts of “Madama Butterfly,” “La Traviata,” and “Thaïs.”

White will remain in an advisory position and conduct the orchestra as his schedule allows.

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