Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fairfax, VA (October 5, 2026) – Virginia Opera is proud to announce “Voices Forward” A Collaborative Vocal Arts Residency, a groundbreaking partnership with The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF), Norfolk State University, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra designed to expand access, equity, and professional pathways for emerging vocal artists.

Taking place October 30 through November 1, 2026, Voices Forward will bring together aspiring singers, educators, and industry professionals for an immersive residency focused on artistic excellence, professional development, mentorship, and community engagement.

Building on the successful launch of The Denyce Graves Foundation’s Generational Voices program, the initiative advances DGF’s commitment to identifying and refining generational talent while establishing meaningful connections with industry leaders, storied artistic institutions, and the communities they serve. “We have been fortunate to partner with Adam Turner on previous occasions with DGF,” said Denyce Graves, distinguished opera singer, director, teacher, and DGF’s founder. “We are so grateful to create this wonderful collaboration with our Generational Voices fellows. They will gain invaluable experience and insight that will change them forever. Thank you, Adam and Virginia Opera!”

“Voices Forward represents the power of collaboration to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of promising talent,” said Adam Turner, Virginia Opera’s Artistic Director & Chief Conductor. “By bringing together Virginia Opera, The Denyce Graves Foundation, Norfolk State University, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, we’re providing emerging young artists with mentorship, training, and performance experiences that will have a lasting impact on their career trajectories.”

A distinguishing feature of “Voices Forward” is the involvement of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, providing The Denyce Graves Foundation’s Generational Voices with the rare opportunity to perform alongside a professional orchestra. This experience significantly enhances their artistic development and prepares them for future professional engagements.

The program will conclude with a celebratory concert on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:30 PM at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk. The performance will feature residency participants performing iconic operatic selections, highlights from Broadway, as well as selections by distinguished American composers Adolphus Hailstork and Damien Geter. Together with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, this concert will celebrate the artistic growth and achievements realized throughout the residency.

In addition, “Voices Forward” intentionally centers Norfolk State University as a key institutional partner, recognizing the excellence of its vocal arts program while expanding participation in the national Generational Voices network. NSU’s Concert Choir will be featured in a solo showcase during the November 1 concert, as well as have the opportunity to perform operatic selections alongside members of the Virginia Opera Chorus and Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Virginia Opera and DGF also anticipate expanding concert participation to include students from Elizabeth City State University.

Community members are invited to attend this special performance. While admission is free, reservations will be encouraged due to limited seating availability.

Through “Voices Forward,” The Denyce Graves Foundation’s Generational Voices will gain invaluable performance experience, expanded professional networks, and practical tools for sustaining careers in the vocal arts. The initiative also strengthens partnerships across Virginia while advancing national efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable future for classical music.

For more information or to reserve seats for the November 1 concert, visit vaopera.org or contact Virginia Opera at 866-673-7282.

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About Virginia Opera
Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is one of the finest regional opera companies in the nation and is the only company to perform regularly in three separate main stage venues: the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, and Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Organized in 1974, Virginia Opera is 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.

Follow Virginia Opera on social media
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Twitter: @vaopera
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About The Denyce Graves Foundation
The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF) advances the next generation of artists while preserving and elevating overlooked stories and voices. Through its three signature programs, Shared Voices, Hidden Voices, and Generational Voices, DGF creates pathways for education, artistic development, and professional opportunity while connecting outstanding artists with leading institutions, industry professionals, and communities. Together, these programs honor the contributions of the past, invest in extraordinary talent, and build meaningful connections that strengthen the future of the arts.

Virginia  Opera, The Denyce Graves Foundation, Norfolk State University and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra have announced “Voices Forward,” a collaborative vocal arts residency for emerging singers that will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2026.

The residency will bring together aspiring singers, educators and industry professionals for programming focused on artistic excellence, professional development, mentorship and community engagement. It will conclude with a  concert on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk.

The initiative builds on the launch of The Denyce Graves Foundation’s Generational Voices program and the foundation’s Generational Voices fellows will perform with a professional orchestra as part of the residency.

Norfolk State University is a key institutional partner and the university’s  Concert Choir will present a solo showcase during the Nov. 1 concert, performing operatic selections with members of the Virginia Opera Chorus and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

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The Virginia Opera and comedian Jason Kypros have developed short comic vignettes about the perils and pleasures of online dating.

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.

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NORFOLK, Va. — Edythe Harrison, who once represented Norfolk in the Virginia House of Delegates and whose name adorns the city’s opera house, has died at the age of 91.

An obituary reveals Harrison died on Monday, September 1.

According to the obituary, Harrison and her husband, Stanley, moved to Norfolk from Detroit in 1956. In the 1960s, she gained notoriety as a champion of the civil rights movement.

Then, in 1974, she organized the creation of the Virginia Opera Association and became its first board chair. In the 1990s, Harrison raised millions of dollars to help convert Norfolk’s Center Theater into a home for the Virginia Opera. The Harrison Opera House — named for Edythe and Stanley — still serves as a principal venue for the opera and countless other performances.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Former Virginia Delegate and Virginia Opera founder Edythe Harrison has died.

Harrison was a community leader and patron of the arts in Hampton Roads.  Originally from Detroit, Harrison met her husband, Stanley L. Harrison in 1954 and moved to Norfolk in 1956, according to her obituary.

In 1979, Harrison won to represent Norfolk in the Virginia House of Delegates.  She served on several committees and championed for women’s rights.  She also ran for United State Senate in 1984, the first woman to seek statewide office in Virginia.

Harrison also founded the Women’s Studies Department at Old Dominion University and became its first Chair, according to her obituary.

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His directing approach draws heavily from his experience on both sides of the camera and stage. As an actor, improviser, cinematographer, editor, and producer, Jason brings an understanding of performance together with a strong visual sensibility. Jason has worked extensively throughout the performing arts and entertainment community, including projects with Virginia Opera, Zeiders American Dream Theater, and Plan B Comedy, where he serves as Artistic Director. His production experience also includes commercial and broadcast work for organizations throughout Virginia, as well as still photography for numerous television productions.

Jason is currently the theater Director at Norfolk Academy and he is thrilled to be back directing Variations with the Virginia Opera for another season. He would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work, his family and friends for their love and support and the audience for supporting the magic of live performance.  

New season pairs Met and Vienna State Opera veterans with the company’s own homegrown talent across Pagliacci, Hansel and Gretel and Turandot.

Virginia Opera has locked in the singers for its 2026-27 season, and the casting sheet reads like a study in contrasts: a soprano fresh off Vienna State Opera stages next to performers the company grew from scratch. That’s kind of the point. Across three productions, the company is leaning hard into a formula that’s worked for it before: put international names next to its own Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists and let the results speak for themselves.

“This season will feature the thrilling Virginia Opera mainstage debuts of several internationally acclaimed artists while also showcasing the exceptional up-and-coming talent represented by our Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists,” said Adam Turner, the company’s artistic director and chief conductor. “Grandeur and spectacle, a family-friendly fairytale, and a high-stakes emotional rollercoaster — audiences will experience world-class performances from some of the finest singers in opera today.”

The season runs across the company’s usual three homes: the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond’s Dominion Energy Center, and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax.

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“This season will feature the thrilling Virginia Opera mainstage debuts of several internationally acclaimed artists while also showcasing the exceptional up-and-coming talent represented by our Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists,” said Adam Turner, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor. “Grandeur and spectacle, a family-friendly fairytale, and a high-stakes emotional rollercoaster — audiences will experience world-class performances from some of the finest singers in opera today.”

Opening the season in November, Pagliacci features a dynamic blend of internationally recognized artists making their Virginia Opera debuts alongside familiar faces returning to the company’s stages. Internationally acclaimed soprano Kathryn Lewek makes her Virginia Opera debut as Nedda in the Norfolk and first Richmond performances, while returning favorite Sarah Tucker, last seen as Micaela in Carmen, assumes the role for the second Richmond performance and both Fairfax performances. Tenor Zach Borichevsky returns following his acclaimed performance as Don José in Carmen, joined by baritone Kidon Choi, making his Virginia Opera debut as Tonio after appearances with leading companies including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera’s prestigious Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Hunter Enoch returns to Virginia Opera in the role of Silvio following an impressive career that has included Washington National Opera and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, while current Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Carlos Ahrens completes the ensemble as Beppe. Together, the cast reflects Virginia Opera’s tradition of pairing internationally celebrated artists with performers who have developed lasting relationships with the company. Pagliacci will be directed by Virginia Opera favorite Kyle Lang, whose most recent company production was the acclaimed Intelligence in 2026. Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Adam Turner will conduct the production. Scenic design is by Steven C. Kemp, whose striking sets were last seen in Virginia Opera’s Intelligence.

Hansel and Gretel showcases Virginia Opera’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of operatic talent by featuring an entirely Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist cast. Soprano Maggie Kinabrew stars as Gretel opposite mezzo-soprano Melanie Dubil as Hansel, with Lindsey Polcyn portraying both Gertrude (Mother) and the Witch, Joel Clemens as Peter (Father), and Nia Spaulding in the dual roles of the Dew Fairy and Sandman. Representing some of opera’s brightest rising talent, these young artists bring experience from prestigious training programs and companies including Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Glimmerglass Festival, Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, and Boston Baroque. The production underscores Virginia Opera’s long-standing commitment to cultivating the next generation of opera performers by placing its Emerging Artists at the center of one of the repertoire’s most beloved works. Hansel and Gretel marks the Virginia Opera directorial debut of Stephanie Havey. Director of Emerging Artists, Associate Conductor, and Chorus Master Brandon Eldredge will conduct the production. Scenic design is by Steven C. Kemp.

The season concludes with Puccini’s monumental Turandot, featuring a cast that combines internationally established dramatic voices with several artists who have longstanding ties to Virginia Opera. Soprano Alexandra LoBianco makes her Virginia Opera debut in the title role after acclaimed performances with the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Seattle Opera. Tenor Samuel White, following his noteworthy appearance at last season’s Virginia Opera Gala, makes his mainstage debut as Calaf after recent success as both Calaf and Canio as well as winning the George London Award, one of the most prestigious opera competitions for young singers. Returning favorite Symone Harcum, herself a former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist, brings her celebrated artistry to the role of Liù following acclaimed appearances with Opera Philadelphia, Minnesota Opera, and Virginia Opera. Bass Kevin Thompson returns after last season’s Intelligence to portray Timur, one of his signature roles, while former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist David Blalock returns as Pong after more than a decade of appearances with Virginia Opera and an ongoing career with the Metropolitan Opera. Current Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Joel Clemens, Carlos Ahrens, Yichen Xue, and Xiaojie Ji round out the imperial court as Ping, Pang, A Mandarin, and Emperor Altoum, respectively, creating a cast that seamlessly blends internationally renowned performers, returning Virginia Opera artists, and exceptional emerging talent. Turandot reunites Virginia Opera with director Kyle Lang. Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Adam Turner conducts Puccini’s monumental masterpiece, with scenic design by Steven C. Kemp.

Principal Casting
Pagliacci

• Kathryn Lewek as Nedda (Nov. 6, 8 & 13)
• Sarah Tucker as Nedda (Nov. 15, 21 & 22)
• Zach Borichevsky as Canio
• Kidon Choi as Tonio
• Hunter Enoch as Silvio
• Carlos Ahrens as Beppe

Hansel and Gretel

• Maggie Kinabrew as Gretel
• Melanie Dubil as Hansel
• Lindsey Polcyn as Gertrude (Mother)/The Witch
• Joel Clemens as Peter (Father)
• Nia Spaulding as Dew Fairy/Sandman

Turandot

• Alexandra LoBianco as Turandot
• Samuel White as Calaf
• Symone Harcum as Liù
• Kevin Thompson as Timur
• David Blalock as Pong
• Joel Clemens as Ping
• Carlos Ahrens as Pang
• Yichen Xue as A Mandarin
• Xiaojie Ji as Emperor Altoum

For more information about Virginia Opera’s 2026-2027 season, visit vaopera.org.

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About Virginia Opera

Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is one of the finest regional opera companies in the nation and is the only company to perform regularly in three separate main stage venues: the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, and Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Organized in 1974, Virginia Opera is 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.

Follow Virginia Opera on social media
Facebook: @vaopera
Twitter: @vaopera
Instagram: @vaopera