Trevor Metcalfe
PilotOnline.com
September 8, 2026
Edythe Harrison wore many hats.
A self-described “professional volunteer,” Harrison helped establish the Virginia Opera, fought for voting rights during civil rights era, was the first woman to be nominated for statewide office by the Virginia Democratic Party and supported the establishment of the women’s studies program at Old Dominion University.
Harrison, who died Sept. 1 at 91, is the reason the Virginia Opera exists, said John-Paul Schaefer, opera general director and CEO.
“Without Edie Harrison, there is no Virginia Opera,” Schaefer said.
Schaefer said Harrison’s vision allowed the opera and the Harrison Opera House to flourish. The space was formerly the Center Theater, which hosted everything from USO shows to wrestling matches.