Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience World-Class Opera in Virginia
Virginia Opera, founded in 1974, has established itself as a nationally recognized leader in operatic excellence and arts education. With a 51-year legacy, we produce 28+ mainstage performances annually across Norfolk, Richmond, and Fairfax, reaching over 50,000 attendees. Our commitment to artistic integrity is matched by our dedication to nurturing emerging talent through rigorous artist development programs. As The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1994, we maintain a $5.3 million operating budget while presenting world-class productions featuring internationally acclaimed artists. Our education and outreach initiatives impact more than 150,000 students annually through innovative programming. Under the leadership of General Director John-Paul Schaefer and Artistic Director Adam Turner, we continue to commission groundbreaking new works like the upcoming 2025 premiere of *Loving v.Virginia*. Our productions at premier venues including the Harrison Opera House and Dominion Arts Center showcase collaborations with top-tier directors and designers. We maintain partnerships with Virginia Symphony Orchestra and regional arts organizations to enhance community engagement. Our track record includes premiering significant works such as *A Christmas Carol* and *Harriet The Woman Called Moses*. Through strategic statewide expansion since our Norfolk origins, we've become Virginia's only multi-venue opera company, combining historical tradition with contemporary artistic vision.
Services
Opera Performances
Arts Education
Community Outreach
Artist Development
Opera Productions
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 51 years of operatic excellence across Virginia
- Nationally recognized artist development programs
- Education initiatives reaching 150,000+ students annually
- Multi-venue productions in Norfolk, Richmond, and Fairfax
- Premiered 6 original operatic works since 1974
Associations and certifications
- The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Services
Opera Performances
Virginia Opera presents 28+ mainstage productions annually across three venues. Our performances feature internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent in classic and contemporary operatic works. Each season includes four mainstage productions at premier locations in Norfolk, Richmond, and Fairfax.
Arts Education
Our education programs reach over 150,000 students annually through initiatives like Student Night at the Opera. We provide study guides, community events, and outreach programs that make opera accessible to diverse audiences across Virginia's school systems.
Artist Development
We identify and nurture promising vocalists through our Emerging Artists Program. This initiative has launched careers of renowned performers like Rene Fleming and Nadine Sierra while maintaining artistic excellence in operatic training.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives include Dragon's Breath and Virtually Amazing Opera programs. These community-focused efforts bring opera experiences to underserved populations through partnerships with local organizations and digital platforms.
Opera Productions
We produce full-scale opera productions featuring collaborations with acclaimed directors and designers. Recent works include *Carmen*, *La Bohme*, and the upcoming 2025 premiere of *Loving v. Virginia* at premier venues across Virginia.
People
John-Paul Schaefer
General Director and CEO
Leading Virginia Opera since 2012, Schaefer oversees strategic operations and artistic vision. With extensive experience in arts administration, he guides the company's statewide expansion and financial stewardship.
Adam Turner
Artistic Director and Chief Conductor
Appointed in 2018, Turner directs artistic programming and conducts major productions. His acclaimed work includes *La Cenerentola* and the world premiere of *Loving v. Virginia*, demonstrating his diverse operatic expertise.
Rachel L. Ginzberg
Director of Artistic Operations
Managing artistic logistics since 2012, Ginzberg coordinates production schedules and artist contracts. She ensures operational excellence across Virginia Opera's multi-venue performance season and educational initiatives.
Brandon Eldredge
Director of Emerging Artists
Overseeing talent development programs, Eldredge mentors young artists through performance opportunities. As Associate Conductor and Chorus Master, he contributes to both mainstage productions and educational outreach efforts.
Jennifer Chung Quintard
Community Engagement & Education Manager
Leading educational programming since 2015, Quintard develops curriculum materials and coordinates outreach events. She manages initiatives reaching 150,000+ students annually through school partnerships and community programs.
Questions
What venues does Virginia Opera perform in?
We perform at Norfolk's Harrison Opera House, Richmond's Carpenter Theatre, and George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax.
How can I purchase opera tickets?
Tickets are available through our official website, box office phone line (866.673.7282), or venue-specific ticket counters.
Do you offer student discounts?
Yes, our Student Night at the Opera program provides discounted tickets and educational materials for school groups.
How does Virginia Opera support emerging artists?
Through our Emerging Artists Program, we provide performance opportunities, mentorship, and professional development for promising vocalists.
Can I donate to Virginia Opera?
Yes, contributions support mainstage productions, education programs, and community outreach initiatives through our Annual Fund.
What new works have you premiered?
We've premiered six original operas including *A Christmas Carol*, *Harriet The Woman Called Moses*, and the upcoming *Loving v. Virginia* (2025).
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