Student Night @ the Opera
About Student Night @ the Opera
Student Night @ the Opera is a community program designed to provide students, chaperones, and families with school-aged children affordable access to live opera. We open up our final dress rehearsals to elementary, middle, and high school students to experience an evening at the Harrison Opera House before performances begin for each production.
What you need to know
Student Night @ the Opera community events are held at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk.
- Subscribe to the full season for just $24 for students and chaperones.
- Individual show tickets are $10 for students and chaperones.
- These community events are intended for students, schools and homeschools as well as community-based groups and organizations. If you have a group that might be interested in attending please reach out to us.
- English surtitles are projected above the stage.
- Most operas are considered PG-13. Feel free to contact us with any specific questions or concerns regarding a particular production.
*Interested in helping underwrite student groups to Virginia Opera? We welcome your support of Student Night @ the Opera tickets.
Questions? Need more information? Want to connect? Call the box office at 866-673-7282.
Cinderella
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. They’ll live happily ever after.
Gioachino Rossini
Sung in Italian with English Surtitles
Cinderella embarks on an enchanting journey the entire family will enjoy! Amidst the glimmering splendor of 18th-century Italy, a kind-hearted dreamer rises above her misfortunes in search of love and her rightful place in the world. This timeless tale of rags to riches will captivate you with its sparkling music and timeless charm!
Student Night @ the Opera: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Intelligence
When the smoke clears, only truth is left standing.
Conceived by Jake Heggie, Gene Scheer, Jawole Zollar
Music by Jake Heggie, Libretto by Gene Scheer
Based upon historical facts pertaining to the underground Civil War spy network of Mary Jane Bowser and Elizabeth Van Lew
This Opera was commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera
Sung in English with English Surtitles
Set in Richmond, VA, Intelligence is inspired by a gripping true story of espionage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. In the shadows of the Civil War, Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman turned operative, joins a Union spy ring, unveiling secrets about the Confederacy and her own identity. Packed with riveting drama, powerful music, and dynamic dance, Intelligence will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Student Night @ the Opera: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Aida
Bound by duty. Blinded by desire. Consumed by fate.
Giuseppe Verdi
Sung in Italian with English Surtitles
Forbidden love ignites between an Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian general as their nations clash in war. Aida, a tale of lovers torn between duty and desire, as fate tightens its grip around them, has captivated audiences for generations! This sweeping epic of love and betrayal is propelled by majestic music that will take you on an emotional journey.
Student Night @ the Opera: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Feedback from Educators:
“For seven years in a row, Virginia Opera’s student night has amazed and thrilled my students. Many of these kids have never seen a live play, much less an opera, and the most frequent comment I hear at the end of the night is, ‘When are we coming to the next one?’ My kids and I have had great discussions on the nature of love, jealously, religion, as well as interpretation of costume, scenic, and light design. Their comments make it straight back to my classroom the next day, and become a part of our lesson. Thanks, Virginia Opera, for providing an interesting and intellectual evening my kids can afford and enjoy!”
– Clyde Berry, Kings Fork High School
“I am such a supporter of this program, and I hope to bring more and more of my students in the future; they enjoyed the show as much as they could, loved the costumes, the set, and realized that opera is not a foreign, untouchable art. They even asked when the next student night would be.”
– Lisa Dyer, J.R. Tucker High School