Covid-19 notification icon

COVID-19 UPDATES: Spring Semester Information

[View Image]
[View Image]
[View Image]

VCU Opera

Six opera singers perform a scene from Gianni Schicchi [View Image]

Founded in 1950 by L. Wayne Batty, VCU Opera has been directed by Melanie Kohn Day since 1983. In 2008, Dr. Kenneth Wood joined the VCU Voice faculty and assumed duties as Co-Director/Stage Director.

VCU Opera has the longest running tradition of annual full-scale productions in the state of Virginia. Each year there is a fully-staged and costumed production of opera scenes and arias as well as a full-scale production with scenery and costumes presented in collaboration with the VCU Symphony. VCU Opera is proud of its ongoing relationship with Virginia Opera, which includes regular field trips, workshops and master classes with staff and artists.

Read VCU News: “A Night at the Opera”

With an emphasis on the holistic training of the complete “singer-actor,” VCU Opera has prepared students for scholarships to: the Manhattan School of Music; Peabody Conservatory; Eastman School of Music; New England Conservatory; Northwestern University; The Curtis Institute of Music; The University of Maryland; Boston University and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. VCU Opera graduates have been selected for positions with the Virginia Opera Emerging Artists Program, and many have been selected for young artist programs with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, Wolftrap Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Operafestival di Roma, AIMS-Graz, Brevard Music Festival, Lake George Opera, Pittsburgh Opera and Sarasota Opera.

If you would like to know more about award-winning VCU Opera, please be sure to watch our recent two-hour virtual production of favorite scenes from the past 10 years.  This production was livestreamed on April 25, 2021 at 4:00pm. 

Viva l’Opera! first half of gala production

Exploring these scenes will give you an idea of the high quality of our musical preparation, of our orchestra,  and of our production values in terms of scenery, costumes, and lighting.  The presentation was narrated to enhance your enjoyment.

Viva l’Opera second half of gala production

Are you a current VCU Student wishing to audition for VCU Opera? For more information please visit the VCU Opera audition page.

Opera Photos

scene from Pirates of Penzance [View Image]
[View Image]
[View Image]
Two opera singers in costume [View Image]
opera singers performing in 18th century costumes [View Image]
Four opera singers in costume onstage [View Image]
7 opera singers dressed as 19th century police officers [View Image]
12 opera singers in 19th century dresses, all carrying white lace parasols [View Image]
Ensemble cast performing scene from Pirates of Penzance [View Image]
Two opera singers perform a scene from Lakme [View Image]
Two opera singers in 19th century costumes [View Image]
Two opera singers perform a scene from Marriage of Figaro [View Image]
Four opera singers perform a scene from Gianni Schicchi [View Image]
Opera singers dressed as nuns perform a scene from Suor Angelica [View Image]

We are proud of the many VCU Opera alumni who enjoy active careers performing in major international opera houses. VCU Opera offers an outstanding and intensive undergraduate opera training experience. Our students have ample opportunities to perform for guest artists in master classes in addition to bi-annual fully staged productions.

[View Image]
[View Image]

Virginia Commonwealth University

School of the Arts

325 North Harrison Street, Box 842519

Richmond, VA 23284-2519

arts@vcu.edu 804-VCU-ARTS
© 2021 VCUarts All rights reserved
View graphic versionView graphic version