The Hylton Center is honored to present the Washington National Opera (WNO) Orchestra in a special concert featuring the Cafritz Young Artists in the Hylton Center’s exquisite Merchant Hall. The WNO Orchestra is the musical heartbeat of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, playing for all WNO productions. The Cafritz Young Artists, comprising some of America's top emerging vocal talent, work with WNO staff and guest artists to hone their skills as they prepare to launch international opera careers. Cafritz Young Artists have gone on to successful careers including performances with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, New York City Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, and renowned opera companies across the globe. Enjoy iconic and favorite moments from some of opera’s greatest moments from Mozart to Verdi!

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Washington National Opera Orchestra Featuring the Cafritz Young Artists

Hylton Performing Arts Center

Hilarity and glorious music abound in this Puccini one-act comedy as the Donati family’s grief over their “Dear Uncle Buoso’s” death quickly turns to greed as they scheme to keep their inheritance. The cleaver and creative Gianni Schicchi comes to the rescue – or does he? Featuring the beloved aria “O mio babbino caro,” brilliant ensembles, and lively characters, it is no wonder that Gianni Schicchi a perennial favorite among opera lovers and newcomers alike.

Mason Opera presents, Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi

Experience big talent in an intimate setting with Virginia Opera! Their talented artists will impress you with delightful performances of opera's greatest hits, famous Broadway show tunes, and other diverse and lively selections!

Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera

### Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony Announce New Opera on Loving v. Virginia

The Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony have announced a groundbreaking new opera centered on the historic United States Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia. This operatic retelling will premiere as part of Virginia Opera’s 50th Anniversary Season in 2025. The opera will be composed by Damien Geter with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo.

**Event Highlights:**
- **Premiere Date:** 2025
- **Venues:** Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, and Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.
- **Composer:** Damien Geter
- **Librettist:** Jessica Murphy Moo

**Background:**
Loving v. Virginia was a landmark civil rights decision by the United States Supreme Court, which invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage. The case was brought by Mildred and Richard Loving, who were sentenced to prison in 1958 for marrying each other, a union that was illegal in Virginia due to the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. Their conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1967, a decision that has had lasting impacts on civil rights and was cited in the 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage.

**Statements from Key Figures:**
- **Damien Geter, Composer:** Emphasized the personal significance of the case and the importance of telling the Lovings' story to honor their legacy and advance the art form.
- **Jessica Murphy Moo, Librettist:** Highlighted the inspirational nature of the Lovings' story and its relevance to themes of equality, home, and love in opera.
- **Adam Turner, Artistic Director of Virginia Opera:** Expressed excitement about featuring a Virginia story and a Virginia composer for the 50th Anniversary.
- **Peggy Kriha Dye, General Director and CEO of Virginia Opera:** Spoke about the opera's role in promoting equality and the collaboration with Richmond Symphony and the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU.
- **Lacey Huszcza, Executive Director of Richmond Symphony:** Stressed the importance of the Lovings' story for equality and social justice, and the alignment of missions between the Symphony and Virginia Opera.

**Development and Support:**
The project will be supported by a series of workshops starting in November 2022, focusing on the libretto, vocal writing, orchestral score, and production design. Early support has been received from OPERA America’s 2022 Repertoire Development Grant, with additional funding from corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Individuals can support the project by joining the Commissioning Club, which offers special access to workshops and the creative team.

**Contact Information:**
- **Virginia Opera:** Amanda J. Ely, Director of Marketing, amanda.ely@vaopera.org, 757-627-9545 ext. 3322
- **Richmond Symphony:** Sara Hunt, Public Relations, sarahuntpr@gmail.com

This new opera aims to celebrate the Lovings' contribution to racial justice and ensure their story resonates with future generations.

Loving v. Virginia

George Mason University

Dominion Energy Center

Harrison Opera House

Podcast link: https://youtu.be/4hagYvrYbuM

The Artelize Podcast and Kasper Holten - Pedefining Opera for the modern world

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36M5Hi6O80

The Artelize Podcast - A legacy of innovation in Opera: Celebrating Marc A. Scorca

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59E40S_EQSY

The Artelize Podcast: A love letter that was never sent

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THv6htilWtI

The Artelize Podcast and Adolfo Corrado: Mediterranean flavors, opera and social media

Enjoy a soaring selection of operatic delights performed by talented members of Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Experience exciting, big talent in an intimate performance that includes famous arias and duets from the greatest hits of opera, in addition to Broadway showtunes and other diverse and exciting repertory!

### Event Description: Carmen by Virginia Opera

**Event Overview:**
Experience the bold and passionate world of "Carmen," presented by the Virginia Opera. This timeless opera, composed by Georges Bizet, tells the story of Carmen, a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman who lives life on her own terms. Her beauty and bravery captivate those around her, but her tumultuous love life leads to a tragic end when her obsessed ex-lover violently rejects her decision to move on.

**Performance Details:**
- **Sung in:** French with English Surtitles
- **Conducted by:** Adam Turner
- **Directed by:** Kyle Lang
- **Orchestra:** Virginia Symphony Orchestra

**Ticket Information:**
- **On Sale Date:** Monday, August 5, 2024
- **Subscription Packages:** Available now on the Virginia Opera's subscriptions page

**Performance Schedule:**
- **Norfolk:**
  - Friday, November 8, 7:30 PM
  - Sunday, November 10, 2:30 PM
- **Fairfax:**
  - Saturday, November 16, 7:30 PM
  - Sunday, November 17, 2:00 PM
- **Richmond:**
  - Friday, November 22, 7:30 PM
  - Sunday, November 24, 2:30 PM

**Cast:**
- **Carmen:** Lisa Marie Rogali
- **Don José:** Zach Borichevsky
- **Escamillo:** Rolfe Dauz
- **Micaëla:** Alicia Russell Tagert
- **Frasquita:** Chase Sanders
- **Mercédès:** Aria Minasian
- **Remendado:** Daniel Lugo
- **Dancairo:** TBA
- **Zuniga:** TBA
- **Moralès:** TBA

Join us for an unforgettable evening of drama, passion, and exquisite music as we bring "Carmen" to life on stage. Secure your tickets early and be part of this extraordinary operatic experience.

Carmen

Bound by tradition and honor, a young Japanese maiden is left to face an unspeakable aftermath when abandoned by a reckless American naval officer. Puccini’s haunting score is filled with unforgettable music of unparalleled beauty that will stay with you forever. Productions in Norfolk, Fairfax, and Richmond.

Madama Butterfly

Virginia Opera’s season comes to a stunning close with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, one of opera’s most beloved works. Bound by tradition and honor, a young Japanese maiden is left to face an unspeakable aftermath when abandoned by a reckless American naval officer. Puccini’s haunting score is filled with unforgettable music of unparalleled beauty that will stay with you forever.

Sanctuary Road is based on the remarkable writings of William Still – an abolitionist, historian, and conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped nearly 800 enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. This moving piece tells the stories of Clarissa Davis, who fled Portsmouth, VA, Henry “Box” Brown, who fled Richmond, VA, along with the account of several other men and women who risked it all in pursuit of freedom.

Sanctuary Road

Julia Roberts would never have wooed Richard Gere, and Nicole Kidman wouldn’t have rocked the Moulin Rouge without La Traviata! Prepare to be swept away by one of opera’s most tragic love stories and the inspiration for these two iconic films: Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge! The tale of the stunning courtesan Violetta and the hopelessly romantic Alfredo is woven with some of the best-known music in the repertoire. La Traviata’s high points are matched with tears in the tragic end. See for yourself why this story endures!

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