"Loving v. Virginia" is a new opera co-commissioned by Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony, which will make its Richmond premiere this weekend in the Carpenter Theatre. Performances will be held Friday evening (5/9) at 7:30pm, Saturday evening (5/10) at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoon (5/11) at 2:30pm.

Loving v. Virginia was the Supreme Court case that overturned the conviction of Mildred and Richard Loving in 1967. They exchanged wedding vows in 1958 in Washington, D.C. where interracial marriage was legal. Upon returning to Virginia weeks later, they were arrested and indicted on charges of violating Virginia's Racial Integrity Act of 1924. The decision was a landmark ruling for civil rights in the United States.

The opera was composed by Damien Geter, with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo. I recently sat down for a preview with Damien and Adam Turner, Artistic Director for Virginia Opera. I hope you enjoy our discussion and have the opportunity to see this very meaningful project.

Yours in good music,
Mike Goldberg
Classical Host, VPM Music