News & Reviews

By Lee Teply Virginian-Pilot correspondent©March 26, 2014 At last Friday's opening night of the Virginia Opera's production of "Carmen," the mix of strong casting and high production values gave fresh life to the oft-told story. The company set Georges Bizet's work -...

by Montague Gammon III A fast rising young Metropolitan Opera star-in-the-making mezzo who likes “once upon a time … happy ending” stories – Cinderella (La Cenerentola, Rossini) is the role Ginger Costa-Jackson most looks forward to playing some day – portrays the...

By Teresa Annas The Virginian-Pilot©March 20, 2014 Hour after hour, Jennifer Noe trained her eyes on the hem of a dress soon to be in lights. Last week, her slender hands - with surprisingly long nails, given her work - straight-pinned a jet-and-silver-scalloped hem...

Virginia Opera “Carmen” – Hot Ticket Feature Added by Kevin Hornsby on March 17, 2014 The Virginia Opera presents Georges Bizet’s Carmen and Cox 11 takes you behind the scenes as the stars and conductor explain how the vixen is superbly portrayed by the ultra talented...

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...