Dear Friends,

Since the 16th century, ballet and opera have evolved as natural artistic partners—uniting movement and voice to tell powerful stories. Today marks the first formal collaboration between Charlottesville Ballet and Opera on the James, inspired by that shared tradition.

America250: Voices of Virginia was conceived and created by Peter & Emily as a response to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Over the past year, we have woven dance, opera, poetry, film, and archival imagery into sixteen vignettes tracing the arc of American life from 1776 to today.

What began as a shared idea has grown into a statewide collaboration with nine cultural partners across Virginia. Together, we believe art, history, and community belong in conversation—and that live performance can bring them vividly to life.

We are grateful to the artists, scholars, and partner institutions who have helped shape this work, and to you for being here to experience it with us.

With gratitude,

Peter Leonard

General Director, Opera on the James

Sara Clayborne & Emily Hartka

Co-Founders, Charlottesville Ballet