The Barber of Seville shows are canceled due to COVID-19
Statement from the General Director of Opera on the James
In recent days, we at Opera on the James have been in close communication with city officials, state officials, and local health authorities. It is important to us that we keep both the community and our performers, crew, and staff safe in this very challenging time.
As a result, in collaboration with the Academy Theater, we have, with great sadness, decided to cancel our performances of The Barber of Seville on March 27 and 29.
Given that Virginia has declared a state of emergency, we all agree that this is the right thing to do for the community that we serve. The safety of all is our primary concern.
As you can imagine, the cancellation of our spring production will have a major financial impact on Opera on the James and its artists. Many of the costs of the production have already been incurred, the artists are already here in Lynchburg rehearsing.
This is a critical time for our institution, and all arts institutions across the country. We strongly hope you will consider donating the price of your ticket as a tax-deductible contribution to the company. Doing so allows us to make our agreed payments to our singers, and provides crucial support to our singers as they lose most or all of their income for the next several months due to canceled singing engagements.
If you wish, Opera on the James will refund the price of your ticket. For refund please call our office at (434) 528-3397 or email us at admin@operaonthejames.org. If we don’t hear from you before April 3, we will consider the price of your ticket a donation to our company.
As OPERA America, the umbrella organization for opera companies in the US recently pointed out: "We are deeply concerned about…the impact of Covid19 on all the individuals and organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of our art form and our field.”
Now more than ever we are relying on you, the Lynchburg community, to be stewards of this vibrant art form here in our own city. Please consider making a separate contribution to Opera on the James by going to our DONATE page.
Stay healthy.
Marco Nistico
General Director of Opera on the James