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 interracial marriage of Mildred and Richard Loving and will run in venues throughout the state of Virginia in 2025.

“The Virginia Commission for the Arts is thrilled to invest in this story of, by, and for Virginians,” says VCA Executive Director Margaret Hancock. “Through the ‘Loving v. Virginia’ opera, the Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony are innovating in the arts while bringing an important part of our history to a broad audience. The VCA is excited for the opera’s debut and honored to be part of its development.”

“Joining forces with our longstanding partner the Richmond Symphony will expand the operatic repertoire to include one of the most important stories of racial justice in American history,” adds VO General Director Peggy Kriha Dye. “To be recognized by the Virginia Commission for the Arts for this project is a testament to the importance of this story, and to the artistic quality of both our organizations.”