Virginia Opera today announced principal casting for its 2026–2027 season, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, returning audience favorites, and the next generation of operatic talent across productions of Pagliacci, Hansel and Gretel, and Turandot. The season reflects the company’s continued commitment to presenting world-class artists while fostering emerging talent through the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program.
“This season will feature the thrilling Virginia Opera mainstage debuts of several internationally acclaimed artists while also showcasing the exceptional up-and-coming talent represented by our Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists,” said Adam Turner, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor. “Grandeur and spectacle, a family-friendly fairytale, and a high-stakes emotional rollercoaster — audiences will experience world-class performances from some of the finest singers in opera today.”
Opening the season in November, Pagliacci features a dynamic blend of internationally recognized artists making their Virginia Opera debuts alongside familiar faces returning to the company’s stages. Internationally acclaimed soprano Kathryn Lewek makes her Virginia Opera debut as Nedda in the Norfolk and first Richmond performances, while returning favorite Sarah Tucker, last seen as Micaela in Carmen, assumes the role for the second Richmond performance and both Fairfax performances. Tenor Zach Borichevsky returns following his acclaimed performance as Don José in Carmen, joined by baritone Kidon Choi, making his Virginia Opera debut as Tonio after appearances with leading companies including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera’s prestigious Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Hunter Enoch returns to Virginia Opera in the role of Silvio following an impressive career that has included Washington National Opera and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, while current Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Carlos Ahrens completes the ensemble as Beppe. Together, the cast reflects Virginia Opera’s tradition of pairing internationally celebrated artists with performers who have developed lasting relationships with the company. Pagliacci will be directed by Virginia Opera favorite Kyle Lang, whose most recent company production was the acclaimed Intelligence in 2026. Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Adam Turner will conduct the production. Scenic design is by Steven C. Kemp, whose striking sets were last seen in Virginia Opera’s Intelligence.
Hansel and Gretel showcases Virginia Opera’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of operatic talent by featuring an entirely Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist cast. Soprano Maggie Kinabrew stars as Gretel opposite mezzo-soprano Melanie Dubil as Hansel, with Lindsey Polcyn portraying both Gertrude (Mother) and the Witch, Joel Clemens as Peter (Father), and Nia Spaulding in the dual roles of the Dew Fairy and Sandman. Representing some of opera’s brightest rising talent, these young artists bring experience from prestigious training programs and companies including Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Glimmerglass Festival, Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, and Boston Baroque. The production underscores Virginia Opera’s long-standing commitment to cultivating the next generation of opera performers by placing its Emerging Artists at the center of one of the repertoire’s most beloved works. Hansel and Gretel marks the Virginia Opera directorial debut of Stephanie Havey. Director of Emerging Artists, Associate Conductor, and Chorus Master Brandon Eldredge will conduct the production. Scenic design is by Steven C. Kemp.
The season concludes with Puccini’s monumental Turandot, featuring a cast that combines internationally established dramatic voices with several artists who have longstanding ties to Virginia Opera. Soprano Alexandra LoBianco makes her Virginia Opera debut in the title role after acclaimed performances with the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Seattle Opera. Tenor Samuel White, following his noteworthy appearance at last season’s Virginia Opera Gala, makes his mainstage debut as Calaf after recent success as both Calaf and Canio as well as winning the George London Award, one of the most prestigious opera competitions for young singers. Returning favorite Symone Harcum, herself a former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist, brings her celebrated artistry to the role of Liù following acclaimed appearances with Opera Philadelphia, Minnesota Opera, and Virginia Opera. Bass Kevin Thompson returns after last season’s Intelligence to portray Timur, one of his signature roles, while former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist David Blalock returns as Pong after more than a decade of appearances with Virginia Opera and an ongoing career with the Metropolitan Opera. Current Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Joel Clemens, Carlos Ahrens, Yichen Xue, and Xiaojie Ji round out the imperial court as Ping, Pang, A Mandarin, and Emperor Altoum, respectively, creating a cast that seamlessly blends internationally renowned performers, returning Virginia Opera artists, and exceptional emerging talent. Turandot reunites Virginia Opera with director Kyle Lang. Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Adam Turner conducts Puccini’s monumental masterpiece, with scenic design by Steven C. Kemp.
Principal Casting
Pagliacci
- Kathryn Lewek as Nedda (Nov. 6, 8 & 13)
- Sarah Tucker as Nedda (Nov. 15, 21 & 22)
- Zach Borichevsky as Canio
- Kidon Choi as Tonio
- Hunter Enoch as Silvio
- Carlos Ahrens as Beppe
Hansel and Gretel
- Maggie Kinabrew as Gretel
- Melanie Dubil as Hansel
- Lindsey Polcyn as Gertrude (Mother)/The Witch
- Joel Clemens as Peter (Father)
- Nia Spaulding as Dew Fairy/Sandman
Turandot
- Alexandra LoBianco as Turandot
- Samuel White as Calaf
- Symone Harcum as Liù
- Kevin Thompson as Timur
- David Blalock as Pong
- Joel Clemens as Ping
- Carlos Ahrens as Pang
- Yichen Xue as A Mandarin
- Xiaojie Ji as Emperor Altoum
For more information about Virginia Opera’s 2026-2027 season, visit vaopera.org.
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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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