About the Artist/Ensemble

Virginia Opera Association, Inc., in its 49th year of operation, is known and respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs. The Company has a working budget of $5.3 million with over 28 mainstage performances, reaching nearly 50,000 attendees. In March of 1994, by unanimous vote of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia Opera was named The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the Commonwealth and to the world of opera.

Learn more, here.

Educational Programs

We offer (by reservation only) Opera In The Classroom for schools, children’s organizations, and other educational institutions. All educational works feature professional singers employed in the Emerging Artist Program, and are accompanied by piano. Opera In The Classroom also includes additional learning materials for students to expand their knowledge of opera, and can be used for either pre or post-production follow-up.

Opera in the Classroom presents “Frida and the Bravest Girl in the World” by Joe Illick and Mark Campbell. Based on the award-winning children’s book of the same title written and illustrated by Laurence Anholt, this opera premiered in 2019 at Ft. Worth Opera. “Frida” tells the real-life story of Marianna Morillo Safa, a young girl living in Mexico City and her friendship with famed painter, Frida Kahlo, who has her portrait painted by Ms. Kahlo. At first, Marianna is nervous about meeting Frida because of strange rumors about the eccentric artist. But Marianna quickly befriends Frida and learns two important lessons in the process: that art can happen anywhere and how important it is to be brave even when you feel scared. This opera features five Emerging Artists with piano accompaniment, a full set, and costumes.

Student Night @ The Opera
Experience the final dress rehearsals of all of our 2023-24 Season operas with your student groups! Discount tickets available for students and chaperones attending. Please contact the Virginia Opera Civic Engagement Office for details.  Virginia Opera provides a study guide for each opera.

Let’s Talk Opera
Older students and adults, particularly those with an interest in music, can engage in discussion sessions and lectures from Virginia Opera experts within your classroom or online! Materials supporting pre and post-discussions are available to study our mainstage productions and the social themes/concepts they introduce to audiences. Contact our Civic Engagement department for more details.

Audience

• All Ages