Kathryn Lewek, Alexandra LoBianco, Kevin Thompson, & Symone Harcum Star in Virginia Opera’s 2026-27 Season

Virginia Opera announces its 2026-27 season. Adam Turner conducts the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” starring Kathryn Lewek and Sarah Tucker as Nedda with Zach Borichevsky as Canio. Kidon Choi, Hunter Enoch, and Carlos Ahrens are also among the cast led by Kyle Lang. Performance Dates: Nov. 6 -22, 2026 (Norfolk, Richmond, & Fairfax) Brandon Eldredge conducts Humperdinck’s “Hansel and {…}

Jul 17, 2026

Virginia Opera Reveals 2026-2027 Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists

Virginia Opera has announced its 2026-2027 class of Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists. This year, the program welcomed nine singers and collaborative pianist Oleg Bellini for a season of performances and mentorship. Returning to the program are soprano Maggie Kinabrew, mezzo soprano Melanie Dubil, and Bellini. Kinabrew will make her role debut as Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel” this season, while {…}

Mar 24, 2026

Virginia Opera 2025-26 Review: Aida

Those accustomed to the grandeur of larger houses like the Metropolitan Opera might approach a performance at the Virginia Opera with moderated expectations, but the company proves such caution unnecessary. While the scale may be smaller and simpler, Virginia Opera consistently delivers excellent vocal talents and imaginative stagings that make the most of their admittedly limited budget. This season’s {…}

Dec 13, 2025

Best of 2025: OperaWire’s Staff Selects Their Favorite Performances of the Year

The New Year is upon us, which means it’s time to look back and reflect at what was and what will remain in our memories. As per usual, OperaWire has compiled the favorite performances of the year from many of our contributors. We won’t keep you waiting, here’s a look at the Staff Picks for the best performances of 2025. {…}

Nov 5, 2025

Virginia Opera to Offer Complimentary Tickets to Those Affected by Shutdown

Virginia Opera has announced complimentary tickets during the shutdown. The company said that in response to the ongoing government shutdown, it is extending a special offer of complimentary tickets to its upcoming production of “Cinderella” for individuals directly affected by the closure. Eligible patrons will have the opportunity to reserve up to two free tickets per person to attend performances {…}

Sep 10, 2025

Virginia Opera to Showcase ‘One Hour – Three Acts #NoFilter’

Virginia Opera will present the “One Hour – Three Acts #NoFilter” on Sept. 26, 2025 and Oct. 3, 2025. The showcase, which is part of the Variation Series, will feature three new English-language operas including Christopher Weiss and John de los Santso’ “Service Proider,” a satire on the culture of tech-obsession in the context of an anniversary dinner. Also on {…}

Jul 1, 2025

Virginia Opera Names New General Director & CEO

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 {…}

Jul 1, 2025

Adam Turner Extends Contract with Virginia Opera

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 {…}

Jun 15, 2025

Virginia Opera 2024-25 Review: Loving v. Virginia

(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 {…}

May 20, 2025

Virginia Opera Launches GoFundMe After Losing NEA Grant

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 {…}

May 6, 2025

Virginia Opera Announces 2025-26 Season

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 {…}

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