Virginia Opera

Virginia Opera Association, Inc. is a prestigious American opera company in its 49th year of operation, renowned for its commitment to the presentation of fine young artists, the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and the creativity of its education and outreach programs. With a working budget of $5.3 million, the company stages over 28 mainstage performances annually, reaching nearly 50,000 attendees. Founded in 1974 by Edythe C. Harrison, Virginia Opera began with two productions in the Norfolk Center Theater. The company's growth was significantly influenced by Peter Mark, who served as Artistic Director for over 35 years before being named Artistic Director Emeritus in 2012. Today, the company is led by Peggy Kriha Miller, serving as General Director and CEO since 2020, and Adam Turner, who has been the Artistic Director since 2018. Virginia Opera's statewide presence was bolstered in 1977 when it began producing in Richmond, encouraged by Governor Mills Godwin and Mrs. T. Fleetwood Anna Garner. This expansion was furthered with the opening of a Richmond office and the formation of the Richmond and Central Virginia Board of Virginia Opera. In 1992, the company marked a significant milestone by presenting its first mainstage performance at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, an event celebrated by both The Washington Post and Opera News. The company has been honored by the Virginia General Assembly, which unanimously named Virginia Opera the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1994, in recognition of its contributions to the Commonwealth and the world of opera. Virginia Opera has a rich history of showcasing emerging talent, with many now-prominent singers having graced its stage, including Renée Fleming, Lawrence Brownlee, and Nadine Sierra. The company is also known for attracting acclaimed directors and designers, resulting in new and innovative productions. The company's commitment to new works is evident through its commissioning and co-commissioning of world premieres, such as "A Christmas Carol," "Harriet The Woman Called Moses," and "Rappahannock County." Its mainstage productions are performed at multiple venues, including the Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Arts Center in Richmond, and George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax. Virginia Opera's Education and Community Outreach Program reaches over 150,000 students and community members each year, emphasizing the company's dedication to making opera accessible to a wider audience. Peggy Kriha Miller, a Minnesota native, has had a distinguished career as a soprano and an administrator. Her tenure at Opera Columbus before joining Virginia Opera was marked by innovative artistic programming and financial success. Adam Turner, in his role as Artistic Director, is celebrated for his dynamic conducting and artistic vision, with critical acclaim for his performances with the company and other prestigious orchestras. As Virginia Opera continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to presenting high-caliber vocal talent, engaging conductors and directors, and creating new opera experiences for its audiences.