Virginia Opera's 51st season opens next week with a lineup that includes well-loved classics and modern productions.
The organization is the official opera of the commonwealth and will have performances in Norfolk, Richmond and Fairfax.
"Cinderella," (La Cenerentola), opens in Norfolk on Friday, Nov. 7. It's Rossini’s retelling of the classic fairy tale and was last performed by the Opera in 2020. The Opera is encouraging families to attend by offering discounted packages, including half-price tickets for children and meet-and-greets with Cinderella and the Prince after Sunday matinees.
"Intelligence," a drama commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera, opens on Jan. 30. It is based on the true story of Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman in Richmond who became a Union spy during the Civil War. Each performance includes a pre-show lecture.
The season ends in March with Giuseppe Verdi's masterwork, "Aida," a love affair set in Ancient Egypt. The show will be performed only in Norfolk and Richmond, with pre-show lectures before each. "Aida" was last performed by Virginia Opera in 2011 and was scheduled to return in 2020 before the pandemic led to its cancellation.
Full-season subscriptions are available, starting at $60. Visit vaopera.org.