Virginia Opera Association, Inc.

As "The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth," Virginia Opera is dedicated to serving as a leader not only in the field of opera specifically, but in the performing arts in general.  Each main stage season, the Company employs and collaborates with artists and performance groups throughout the State, including, but not limited to, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Governor's School for the Arts, Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet and Virginia Arts Festival.  Virginia Opera has been producing professional main stage performances since 1974 and now serves the Commonwealth's largest metropolitan areas - Hampton Roads, Richmond and Fairfax, with a combined population of five million.  Virginia Opera mainstage productions represent Virginia citizen's best, and often "only," opportunity to experience the richness of opera at a fully-staged performance.    Last season, the Company presented twenty-eight performances of four professional productions.

Virginia Opera's Education and Community Outreach programs offer a number of innovative and entertaining activities for children and adults of all ages.  From community concerts to behind-the-scenes tours, the Opera brings imaginative programming to schools and community venues throughout the Commonwealth. Virginia Opera currently travels statewide to provide age-appropriate programs and services to K-12 students and community groups that include: In-school and Community Performances;  Student Night(s) at the Opera;  Student Matinee Performances; Operation Opera; and  Emerging Artists Program.  Annually, the Opera offers over 250 age-appropriate opera education performances and/or residencies in schools and community venues in 35 regions throughout Virginia.   Members of Virginia Opera’s Emerging Artists Program, a comprehensive training and professional development course, have been featured in each season’s casts and cover (understudy) all principal roles.