Celebrating our 20th season!
Here are some amazing images ( by Deborah Ware Photography ) from our season opener, La Boheme!
Up Next:
Handel’s “The Messiah” Singalong
sponsored by Frances Giles
Join us for this fun and festive sing-in, a Handel’s “Messiah” Sing-Along at St. John’s Church! On December 1st, join us as we revel in Handel’s timeless oratorio. Bring your own score (or download one here!) and sing out loud and proud, or sit back and revel in the holiday vibe. You’ll enjoy St. John’s Choir and OOTJ’s brilliant soloists, an orchestra of ten and the audience as chorus! This event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. It will be a joyous experience of a classic holiday songfest in St. John’s’ beautiful space, sure to become a holiday tradition, celebrating the spirit of the season and music of the ages.
The Telephone & The Opening
Prepare for a fun afternoon of light-hearted entertainment with a double feature of one-act musical comedies—Gian-Carlo Menotti’s charming classic, The Telephone, and Wilder’s 1975 The Opening. Join us Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. for this charming double feature. In The Telephone, Menotti weaves a hilarious tale of a couple whose relationship progression is complicated by the incessant ringing of a telephone. Act Two brings us The Opening, another delightful opening night romp. Alex Wilder was a multi-talented composer of pop classics like While We’re Young, Blackberry Winter and Where Do You Go. He wrote the definitive book American Popular Song: The Great Innovators. His 1975 one-act opera The Opening is cleverly paired with The Telephone; these delightful performances will be brought to life by a talented cast of guest artists, promising an engaging and entertaining hour or so of music and comedy.
Location details will be announced soon.
Cheers to 20 Years!
Celebrate with us at our Cheers to 20 Years Birthday Bash on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Academy Center’s Warehouse Theatre in downtown Lynchburg! This special event marks two decades of remarkable performances and community spirit, brought by YOUR hometown opera company.
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a delightful dinner and enchanting cabaret performancs by our spring residency of talented Tyler Young Artists. The Warehouse Theatre, with its spacious, downtown vibe, provides the perfect backdrop for this milestone celebration. Enjoy a delicious meal and entertainment by our Tyler Young Artists, who will perform a range of music from light opera to musical theatre and the American songbook.
This event promises to be a memorable night of festivity and nostalgia, celebrating 20 years of artistic excellence. Don’t miss this joyous celebration— an evening filled with great food, exceptional performances, and fabulous company.
Picnic Concert
Get to the Point—Point of Honor, that is—next June, for a captivating Picnic Concert on the lawn of Lynchburg’s most historic gems! On June 8th, 2025, bring your favorite picnic and a couple of lawn chairs to enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with exceptional music in a picturesque setting.
The concert features a diverse repertoire of light opera, beloved Broadway hits, American Songbook classics and more. Set against the backdrop of charming Point of Honor's, this event offers the perfect blend of great music and casual outdoor enjoyment.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or looking for a beautiful day out in nature, this picnic concert promises an enriching experience for all. Savor the sounds and natural beauty as OOTJ artists pair great music and picnic pleasure in a truly unique venue.
Become a Sponsor!
Check out some images from our 2023-2024 season of La Rondine and Suor Angelica !
La ROndine
Suor Angelica
Watch our recent Production of
The Barber of Seville
About Opera on the James
Opera on the James, celebrating its 20th Season, is an OPERA AMERICA Level Four Professional Company in Lynchburg, Virginia. The company was created by a group of city leaders and opera lovers to share the power and beauty of live opera with diverse audiences in Central Virginia and beyond. The Board of Directors of Opera on the James and dedicated volunteers are very active in the work of the company.
Opera on the James is a 501c3 public charity.
Artwork created by Marcy Farris | Email: msfarris818@gmail.com