Four rising opera talents to join one of the nation’s most competitive young artist programs
Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fairfax, VA (July 31, 2025) – Virginia Opera proudly announces the 2025–2026 Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists, welcoming soprano Maggie Kinabrew, mezzo-soprano Melanie Dubil, baritone Adam Partridge, and returning tenor Daniel Esteban Lugo to the acclaimed training program. In addition, Brandon Eldredge, Virginia Opera’s Associate Conductor and Chorus Master since 2019, will expand his responsibilities in a newly appointed role as Director of Emerging Artists.
The Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program is recognized as one of the most competitive and prestigious training programs in the country, receiving over 700 applications annually. Notable alumni of the Program include: Brian Jagde, Megan Marino, Jeni Houser, David Blalock, David Pershall, Symone Harcum, Shannon Jennings-Holman, and many more. Designed to launch the next generation of operatic talent, the program offers intensive performance opportunities, access to industry professionals, and coaching from Virginia Opera’s artistic leadership, including Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Adam Turner.
“This program is central to Virginia Opera’s mission,” said Turner. “We are proud to invest in the future of opera by nurturing these remarkable young artists onstage and behind-the-scenes.”
The 2025–2026 Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists are:
Maggie Kinabrew, soprano — A native of West Hartford, CT, Kinabrew makes her Virginia Opera debut as Clorinda in La Cenerentola, The High Priestess in Aida, and as Mom/Somi in the educational touring production of Dragon’s Breath. Her recent credits include Die Zauberflöte (Winter Opera St. Louis), The Rake’s Progress (Glimmerglass Festival), and Le nozze di Figaro (Palm Beach Opera). She is a 2025 recipient of the “Facing Forward” Grant from the Jensen Foundation Competition.
Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano — Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Dubil brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to opera. She joins the mainstage cast of La Cenerentola as Tisbe (Angelina cover) and appears in Dragon’s Breath as Alan. Recent roles include Donna Elvira (cover) with Opera Colorado and Stéphano in Roméo et Juliette at Central City Opera.
Daniel Esteban Lugo, tenor — Returning for a second season, the Mexican-American tenor will be featured in the company’s Variations Series, cover Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola, sing the Messenger in Aida, and play The Dragon in Dragon’s Breath. Recent engagements include La Vie Parisienne (Opera Saratoga) and The Pirates of Penzance (Virginia Opera, 2024–2025 season).
Adam Partridge, baritone — A Jacksonville, FL native, Partridge makes his Virginia Opera debut in Dragon’s Breath as Dad/Dewitt. He has performed lead roles in Eugene Onegin, Gianni Schicchi, and The Rape of Lucretia, and recently appeared with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, covering world premiere and standard repertoire roles. He is a two-time Studio Artist with Wolf Trap Opera and a regional qualifier in the Met’s Laffont Competition.
In addition to their appearances on the mainstage, all four artists will be featured in Virginia Opera’s statewide Fall Residency tour, performing in community concerts, and private events, as well as being showcased in our Variations Series chamber opera performances “One Hour – Three Acts – #NoFilter.”
Virginia Opera also announces the appointment of Brandon Eldredge as Director of Emerging Artists. In this new role, Eldredge will lead the program’s curriculum, mentor participants, and support the artists’ integration into the company’s productions and outreach efforts.
A conductor, pianist, and operatic coach, Eldredge has held positions with Central City Opera, Opera Saratoga, and Germany’s Oper Bonn. Since joining Virginia Opera, he has prepared choruses and conducted productions including La Traviata, La Bohème, The Pirates of Penzance, and Carmen, and made his principal conducting debut with 2023’s Il barbiere di Siviglia. His deep commitment to young artist development makes him an ideal leader for this next chapter of the program.
For more information about the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program and the upcoming season, visit vaopera.org.
###
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