Last week, on Oct. 4 and 6, Virginia Opera embarked on its 50th Anniversary Season at Norfolk’s Harrison Opera House. The new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni can also be caught at Richmond’s Dominion Energy Center on Oct. 12 and 13. Tickets are still available here.
“In crafting the big picture of this commemorative season, we wanted to showcase our strengths, featuring some of opera’s freshest talents and displaying the rich diversity of artistic accomplishment over our 50 years of producing opera in the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Opera’s Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Adam Turner. “Mozart’s Don Giovanni is a fixture in that 50-year legacy, as a top-10 title now seeing its seventh appearance on our stages, and what better way to open a celebratory season than with opera’s original rockstar bad boy!”
Alongside Turner, Director Kyle Lang – known for directing several successful Virginia Opera productions in the last few years – sets out to breathe new life into Mozart’s timeless tale of seduction and downfall.
Handpicked for their vocal talent and dramatic ability, the show stars baritone Ethan Vincent in his mainstage debut as Don Giovanni, soprano Alexandra Loutsion and soprano Symone Harcum. Bass-baritone Wm. Clay Thompson and bass Ricardo Lugo join the ensemble in pivotal roles. Emerging artists Jordan Costa, Chase Sanders and Patrick Wilhelm round out the cast.
“No matter what, audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions when it comes to the Don – you’ll fall for him, be consumed by intense anger, then turn around and feel sorry for him, and after he’s left you completely heartbroken, you’ll ultimately enjoy seeing him get his comeuppance,” Turner said. “What better way to kick off the 50th Anniversary Season than with an operatic rockstar rollercoaster ride!”
Fifty years at the Opera
Established in 1974, Virginia Opera has become a cornerstone of cultural excellence in the commonwealth. Its golden anniversary promises to be a celebration of artistic achievement, innovation and the enduring power of the human voice.
Earlier this year, Virginia Opera revealed a dynamic new brand, logo and a simple, yet compelling tagline: “Where Voice Rules.”
This mantra reflects the company’s commitment to harnessing the profound impact of the human voice, transcending conventional boundaries and sharing the transformative power of opera with audiences far and wide.
“Celebrating 50 years is an important time to reflect” said Virginia Opera General Director and CEO Peggy Kriha Miller. “It is even more important that we look to the future of our company, our artform and our community, ensuring opera and the cultural arts continue to thrive across Virginia.”
Learn more about the official opera company of the commonwealth, and find tickets to upcoming shows, here.
