News & Reviews

By Teresa Annas The Virginian-Pilot©February 7, 2014 As operas go, "Ariadne auf Naxos" is artistically sophisticated, yet totally "Three Stooges." Add to that Richard Strauss' music from a century ago. "Strauss always writes this kind of music that feels like a wash...

Virginia Opera; Stephanie Fortune; project:Homes Aired: 01/16/2014 04:16 Rating: NR Go on-stage with The Virginia Opera as it approaches its 40th anniversary. Be inspired by author, Stephanie Fortune, as she reflects on her daughter's life with cerebral palsy. And...

By Montague Gammon III Once upon a time, and not too long ago, there was a wealthy fellow who wanted to impress his friends. To show them a good time. Certainly to show off his wealth. Thus begins the “back story” of Richard Strauss’ 1912-1916 opera Ariadne auf Naxos....

By Grace Jean, Published: December 8  There was a disco ball and boogieing, ancient mythical creatures and a golden hippo, and a touch of “Matrix” slow-motion choreography in the Virginia Opera’s whimsical yet faithful musical production of “The Magic Flute”...

Listen in on PART TWO of my conversation with the fabulous opera singer, Heather Buck as she explains her views on music, life and the wonderful world of opera. Make sure you go see Miss Buck in Va Opera's THE MAGIC FLUTE as she conquers the role of the "Queen of the...

By David A. Beloff Listen in on PART ONE of my conversation with the fabulous opera singer, Heather Buck as she explains her views on music, life and the wonderful world of opera. Make sure you go see Miss Buck in Va Opera's THE MAGIC FLUTE as she conquers the role of...

By Lee Teply Virginian-Pilot correspondent©February 9, 2014 It may be that the Virginia Opera has taken a risk with its new production of Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos," which opened Friday evening at the Harrison Opera House. But what are the risk factors?...

By Lee Teply Virginian-Pilot correspondent © September 29, 2013 NORFOLK The Virginia Opera opened its season Friday evening at the Harrison Opera House with its first production of Giuseppe Verdi's final masterpiece, "Falstaff." The cleverly staged production,...

Falstaff staggers into Norfolk By Teresa Annas, The Virginian-Pilot © September 27, 2013   Sir John Falstaff is a lovable, often tipsy knight who makes merry in three of William Shakespeare's plays.   Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Falstaff," centered on that...

Opera review: ‘Falstaff’ BY ROY PROCTOR Special correspondent A sound rule of operatic thumb: A director may take all sorts of liberties with the time and place of a time-honored opera, provided he knows what he’s doing and can get away with it. Director Stephen...