Happenings Events & Happenings
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Opera on the James
Celebrating a decade of success in Central Virginia
page 26 | bella magazine | january 2015
Opera on the James began as the vision of volunteers to create a nonprofit opera company that would attract and involve Central Virginians in the full range of operatic arts. They provide diverse, accessible productions performed by nationally and regionally acclaimed artists that educate, inspire, and engage their audiences. Over the years they have evolved to a more professional company with an active board and a staff that includes General Director, Cecelia Schieve. On January 31, they will celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a Gala Opera Cabaret to highlight past seasons. The luxurious gala is a decade in the making. Truly, it is a hallmark of more than their success as a company—it is evidence of connections to opera in our every day lives that many in the community did not know existed. Furthermore, it is proof that there is a growing audience waiting to be inspired and enlightened. The gala is a representation of collaboration at its finest. “I have engaged five wonderful artists from around the country who have performed with us before,” explains Cecelia. “The event seamlessly incorporates dinner, wine, time with friends, auctions, and outstanding performances. We will surround our guests with opera that mixes styles, languages and characterizations.” For an event this monumental, Opera on the James decided to find a special way to connect with the community to decorate the venue. They chose to ask a local school group from Heritage High School to paint their interpretation of each of the operas in the style of Toulouse-Lautrec. Selecting Heritage for the collaboration was an easy decision in part, because the community has long admired the illustrations of art teacher, Jon Roark. “He has involved his students in service projects with the Lynchburg Historical Foundation and other non-profits and I had the pleasure of using him as an artist for one of our brochures in the past,” says Cecelia. “Because of this partnership, many of the young artists he teaches will experience the opera for the first time and it was a pleasure to involve and help educate them.” The artwork will be on display on Thursday, January 29. For more information on the event and how to purchase tickets, visit www.operaonthejames.org.
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