A joint message from Virginia Opera and the Center for the Arts.
Producing and presenting an art form as robust and complex as opera is an expensive proposition, and, like everything else these days, expenses are on the rise. When you factor in the additional cost of touring a full opera with orchestra and chorus to multiple cities, the costs mount even higher. Virginia Opera and George Mason University are committed to continuing the partnership that has brought high-quality opera to Northern Virginia for more than 30 years, but due to escalating costs, we are presenting two operas in Fairfax this coming season, rather than the four to which most of our patrons have become accustomed. This was not an easy decision to make, but it is the right one for the long-term sustainability of this important partnership.
We are thrilled that the two Fairfax presentations will include Bizet's sumptuous, romantic, tragic Carmen, and a major operatic event that is already garnering national attention: the world premiere of Loving v. Virginia by Damien Geter and Jessica Murphy Moo, commissioned by Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony, and directed by superstar Denyce Graves. Information on both performances can be found on Virginia Opera's website and will be featured in the Great Performances at Mason season announcement materials, which will be made public on May 1.
We look forward to a great season of opera in Northern Virginia, and invite all Virginia Opera patrons to consider a “field trip” to Richmond or Norfolk to experience their other 50th anniversary season performances of Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte.
For Center for the Arts 2024–25 subscribers who include Carmen and/or Loving v. Virginia as part of a curated package of three or more performances, Virginia Opera will extend a special 25% off discount to experience Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte in either Norfolk or Richmond. Center for the Arts subscribers will receive the offer code to redeem this discount through Virginia Opera beginning August 5.
Together, we remain dedicated to fostering a love for opera and expanding access to the transformative power of the performing arts in our region.
Sincerely,
Rick Davis, Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts, George Mason University
Peggy Kriha Miller, General Director and CEO, Virginia Opera
Frequently Asked Questions surrounding the 2024–25 Virginia Opera Season:
Why are you only presenting two of the four operas from the full season?
- Producing and presenting an art form as robust and complex as opera is an expensive proposition, and, like everything else these days, expenses are on the rise. When you factor in the additional cost of touring a full opera with orchestra and chorus to multiple cities, the costs mount even higher. Due to escalating costs, we are presenting two operas in Fairfax this coming season, rather than the four to which most of our patrons have become accustomed. This was not an easy decision to make, but it is the right one for the long-term sustainability of this important partnership.
If I purchase two operas at the Center for the Arts and one or two operas at the Richmond and/or Norfolk venues, can I still get a discount?
- For Center for the Arts 2024–25 subscribers who include Carmen and/or Loving v. Virginia as part of a curated package of three or more eligible performances, Virginia Opera will extend a special 25% off discount to experience Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte in either Norfolk or Richmond. Center for the Arts subscribers will receive the offer code to redeem this discount through Virginia Opera beginning August 5.
I cannot get to the other venues: will the other two titles be streamed online?
- No, Virginia Opera does not have the capability to stream the performances.
Why did you choose to present these two titles over the other two?
- Carmen is one of the most popular operas in the canon, with a timeless story of love and betrayal and some of the most ravishing melodies ever written for the stage. Loving v. Virginia represents our commitment to the continued vitality of opera as a living art form, and tells a story drawn from the rich history of civil rights in America—and here in Virginia. Each work offers the kind of passion and sweep that only opera can provide.
Will you present the full season in 2025–26?
- Virginia Opera and the Center for the Arts will re-evaluate options for each season to deliver the best possible experience while ensuring our programming's viability.
Can I subscribe to just the two opera performances? Will I still get a discount on two operas?
- The Center for the Arts offers a subscriber discount of 15% off when you create a custom package of any three or more performances across all Great Performances at Mason and Family Series performances. You must have three performances in your package to unlock the 15% off subscription discount.
- For Center for the Arts 2024–25 subscribers, who include Carmen and/or Loving v. Virginia as part of a curated package of three or more eligible performances, Virginia Opera will extend a special 25% off discount to experience Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte in either Norfolk or Richmond. Center for the Arts subscribers will receive the offer code to redeem this discount through Virginia Opera beginning August 5.
- Individual tickets to Carmen and Loving v. Virginia will go on sale on August 1 at 10 a.m.
Why can't I keep my same seats for the opera?
- As fixed series subscriptions are not being offered for this season, the Center for the Arts Ticket Office will not be tracking seat assignments for the individual events. The Center for the Arts recommends taking advantage of the two-week Friends Priority Period, a donor benefit, to select seats before tickets go on sale to the general public. Otherwise, the Center for the Arts recommends purchasing tickets as soon as the choose-your-own series subscriptions or individual tickets go on sale to the general public (May 15 and August 1, respectively).
Who do I contact to purchase Virginia Opera tickets for the Richmond or Norfolk venues?
- Please visit VAOpera.org to purchase tickets to performances of Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte in either Norfolk or Richmond.
- Virginia Opera Box Office: (866)673-7282
Email: info@vaopera.org
Who do I contact to provide feedback about this change?
- We understand this change may be disappointing. If you would like to share your feedback with the Center for the Arts and the Virginia Opera, please email: cfatix@gmu.edu.