Virginia Opera is collaborating with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (FSEVA) to fight hunger in Hampton Roads by hosting a Food Drive during the production of Wagner's THE VALKYRIE. The Food Drive begins Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 and runs through Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2011.

"Donations to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia are typically very strong during the holiday season, but taper off as the new year begins. One in four people in our community depend on the Foodbank year round, so the Virginia Opera couldn't be collecting food at a better time!" said Abby Weber, Food and Fund Drive Coordinator for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

Virginia Opera will celebrate its 37th Anniversary during the 2011-2012 season. The Company begins the season with the Virginia Opera Premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida featuring a magnificent opening night Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at Norfolk's Harrison Opera House.

Giuseppe Verdi's Aida is the grandest of all operas and a highly anticipated operatic masterpiece for Virginia. Just in time for the holiday season, Virginia Opera will produce Hansel and Gretel by nineteenth-century composer Engelbert Humperdinck.

Virginia Opera will celebrate its 37th Anniversary during the 2011-2012 season. The Company begins the season with the Virginia Opera Premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida featuring a magnificent opening night Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at Norfolk's Harrison Opera House.

Giuseppe Verdi's Aida is the grandest of all operas and a highly anticipated operatic masterpiece for Virginia. Just in time for the holiday season, Virginia Opera will produce Hansel and Gretel by nineteenth-century composer Engelbert Humperdinck.

Spotlight: Virginia Opera's Madama Butterfly

25% off two tickets to Virginia Opera’s production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

Call 1.866.673.7282 mention “Insider” Monday through Friday; 10:00am – 5:00pm

Virginia Opera Announces FREE Panel Discussion: Ride of the Valkyries: Anti-Semitism, Evil, & Image

January 23, 2011 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Virginia Opera will host a FREE panel discussion on Sunday, January 23, 2011 that is free and open to the public. The discussion has been named, Ride of the Valkyries: Anti-Semitism, Evil, & Image.

This panel will focus on the impact of Wagner's anti-Semitism on his music and the production and performance of his works since the late nineteenth century. It will explore the dark legacy attached to his music and the history of the adoption and promotion or scorn and rejection of the composer's work. It will examine the production of Valkyrie (Die Walküre) as a reflection of the cultures in which it was performed, and present Wagner's music of the Nordic myths as it inspired or repulsed generations of opera lovers.

Exclusive Insider's Passport Offer:

50% off 2 Tickets to Virginia Opera’s production of Wagner’s The Valkyrie

Call 1.866.673.7282 mention “Insider” Monday through Friday; 10:00am – 5:00pm

A fierce storm rages for a precious treasure…All of Wotan’s might cannot prevent the fate that will separate father from daughter. Soar like a Valkyrie on the wind into Wagner’s epic narrative, told with music unmatched in larger-than-life expressive power. Virginia Opera features a free pre-opera discussion 45 minutes before each opera performance by Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera's Community Musical Outreach Director.

Performed in German with English Supertitles.