Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fairfax, VA (December 16, 2024) – Virginia Opera announces the appointment of John-Paul Schaefer as Interim General Director and CEO of the Virginia Opera, effective January 1, 2025.
Schaefer brings over 20 years of experience leading arts organizations, with expertise in fundraising, arts administration, and organizational management. He has served Virginia Opera since 2018 in roles including Managing Director and Director of Development for Central and Northern Virginia. His work has focused on financial planning, marketing, and community engagement.
Schaefer shared his enthusiasm for stepping into the position: “I am honored to take on the role of Interim General Director and CEO during this pivotal time for Virginia Opera. I look forward to building on the work and commitment of the company’s leadership, staff, boards, and patrons as we continue delivering extraordinary opera experiences to audiences across the Commonwealth.”
“John-Paul Schaefer’s extensive background and successful track record in arts management equips him to effectively lead Virginia Opera,” said Mike Lott, Chair of the Virginia Opera Statewide Board of Directors. “As we celebrate the company’s 50th Anniversary Season, we are confident in his vision and ability to guide Virginia Opera toward a strong and vibrant future.”
Virginia Opera’s 50th Anniversary Season continues with performances of Così fan tutte in February/March 2025 and will culminate in the highly anticipated premiere of Loving v. Virginia in spring 2025.
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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.
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