Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fairfax, VA (September 5, 2023)— Virginia Opera proudly announces the opening of its highly anticipated 49th season with an innovative production of Wagner’s Siegfried, adapted by Jonathan Dove and Graham Vick. This spellbinding adaptation promises to captivate audiences with its unique approach, breathtaking performances, and world-class creative team. The production is set to grace the stage at three prominent venues across Virginia – the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, and the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond.
This groundbreaking interpretation of Siegfried brings together the visionary direction of Joachim Schamberger and the masterful orchestration under the baton of Virginia Opera’s own Artistic Director, Adam Turner. The set and costumes, meticulously designed by Virginia-native Court Watson, promise to transport the audience to a world of enchantment and grandeur.
Presented in German with English surtitles, this production features an exceptional cast of international and local talents, ensuring an unforgettable operatic experience. Cooper Nolan takes the helm as Siegfried, while Matthew Peña portrays the intriguing character of Mime. The accomplished Kyle Albertson assumes the role of The Wanderer (Wotan), alongside Joshua Jeremiah as Alberich, Ricardo Lugo as Fafner, Alissa Anderson as Erda, Alexandra Loutsion as Brünnhilde, and Alicia Russell Tagert as A Woodbird. Notably, Kyle Albertson (The Valkyrie, 2022; Das Rheingold, 2021), Alexandra Loutsion (The Valkyrie, 2022), and Ricardo Lugo (Das Rheingold, 2021) are reprising their roles, adding continuity to the ongoing Ring cycle which concludes with Twilight of the Gods leading off the 2024-2025 Season.
Peggy Kriha Miller, General Director and CEO of Virginia Opera, expressed her excitement about the upcoming production: “We are thrilled to kick off our 49th season with such an innovative and captivating adaptation of Siegfried. This production truly embodies the spirit of Virginia Opera’s commitment to artistic excellence and pushing the boundaries of traditional opera.”
Adam Turner, Artistic Director and Conductor, shared his thoughts on the production: “Bringing Siegfried to life has been a remarkable journey, and I am privileged to work alongside an extraordinary team of artists. We are eager to share this reimagined masterpiece with our audience and create lasting memories.”
The mesmerizing music of Siegfried will be brought to life by the acclaimed Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Performances of Siegfried are scheduled for September 29 and October 1 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, October 7 and 8 at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, and October 13 and 15 at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond.
For press inquiries, please contact Amanda Ivy at amanda.ivy@vaopera.org.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this grand fusion of talent, innovation, and classical artistry as Virginia Opera embarks on its 49th season journey with Siegfried.
*Note to Editors: High-resolution images and further information are available upon request.*
Production Information
Siegfried
Libretto and Music by Richard Wagner
Adaptation by Jonathan Dove and Graham Vick
Orchestral Version by Jonathan Dove
Harrison Opera House, Norfolk | September 29 & October 1, 2023
Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax | October 7 & 8*, 2023 | Sponsored by The Mather
Dominion Energy Center, Richmond | October 13 & 15, 2023
*Audio-described
Sung in German with English surtitles.
Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra
In the previous installment of the Ring cycle, we ended with a most operatic cliffhanger: the Valkyrie Brünnhilde imprisoned in a ring of fire. Now, we pick up the story as our fearless hero Siegfried re-forges his father’s shattered sword, embarking on a quest for the greatest prize of all – Brünnhilde’s love.
Adam Turner, Conductor
Joachim Schamberger, Director & Projection Designer
Court Watson, Scenic & Costume Designer
Cooper Nolan*, Siegfried
Matthew Peña*†, Mime
Kyle Albertson, The Wanderer (Wotan)
Joshua Jeremiah, Alberich
Ricardo Lugo, Fafner
Alissa Anderson*, Erda
Alexandra Loutsion, Brünnhilde
Alicia Russell Tagert*, A Woodbird
* denotes VOA Mainstage Debut
^ denotes Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist
† denotes former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist
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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