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 ensuring the long-term sustainability of Virginia Opera, this decision was made with careful consideration,” said General Director and CEO Peggy Kriha Miller. “We are confident that ‘Don Giovanni’ will continue to develop new audiences and serve as a fitting start to our 50th anniversary celebrations.”

“While we understand that this change may come as a disappointment to some of our patrons, we want to assure them that we are evaluating plans to reschedule ‘Twilight of the Gods’ for a future season,” added Chair of the Board Mike Lott. “Our foremost priority remains providing our loyal audience with exceptional opera experiences while navigating the realities of the current climate.”

“Don Giovanni” will open on Sept. 27 in Norfolk and runs through the 29th. Then it opens in Fairfax on Oct. 5 with another showcase set for the sixth. Then the production closes at Richmond on Oct. 12 and 13.