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 {…}
Virginia Opera has announced its 2023-24 season. “Our new season is about giving audiences—old and new—an opportunity to hear fresh voices,” said Peggy Kriha Dye, General Director and CEO of Virginia Opera, in an official press release issued by the company. “Whether the opera is an established classic or new to Virginia, each work offers a different perspective on this {…}
Denyce Graves is set to direct the world premiere production of “Loving v. Virginia” at the Virginia Opera. The opera by Damien Geter and Jessica Murphy Moo will have its big premiere in April 2025 in collaboration with the Richmond Symphony. “It is an honor to be asked to join a team that is developing a project around one of {…}
The Virginia Commission for the Arts has awarded a special recognition grant to Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony for the development of the upcoming opera “Loving v. Virginia.” The grant will award $15k for three consecutive years, totaling $45k. Composed by Damien Geter with libretto by Jessica Murphy, this new work adapts the United States Supreme Court case centered on {…}
The Virginia Opera has announced its 2022-23 season celebrating its 48th year of producing opera. Performances will take place at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Virginia, the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, Virginia, and at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Orchestras for the planned productions will include both {…}
Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony are joining forces to present “Loving v. Virginia.” The opera, which will have its premiere during the 2024-25 season, will be introduced on May 16, 2022 at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU and at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk. The new opera, which centers on the landmark Supreme Court case from {…}
Opera America has announced the recipients of its 2022 Repertoire Development Grants. The recipients for the grant include American Lyric Theater, Beth Morrison Projects, Houston Grand Opera, MassOpera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pensacola Opera, OperaDelaware, and Virginia Opera. In sum, the nine companies will receive $225,000 to develop eight new American operas. “Fostering the creation {…}
(Credits: Virginia Opera) The Virginia Opera has announced its upcoming performances of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s “Three Decembers.” The work, which opens on Jan. 28, and is set to run through Feb. 13, 2022, is based on the unpublished play, “Some Christmas Letters,” by Terrence McNally. The cast includes Karen Ziemba, Efraín Solís, and Cecilia Violetta López. Adam Turner {…}