Words by Nathan Jacques. Images courtesy of Virginia Opera.
Rolling with the punches to keep that light at the end of the tunnel burning bright and letting audiences know “this too shall pass,” our Virginia Opera’s Stayin’ Alive Alternate Fall was testament to the timeless passion by which the arts thrive.
From the debut of our Weekly Wednesday Wind Down concerts on the lawn of Harrison Opera House, pop-up curbside shows and weekly engagements, to Virtual Showcase concerts and streaming events with maestros, musicians, and principal artists, we provided two jam-packed months of programs for patrons across the Commonwealth and beyond through live and digital means and a little something for everyone.
Taking its final curtain on November 7, Stayin’ Alive gave VO audiences chances to select their own brand of command performance by our Herndon Foundation Artists, provided engaging discussions with our maestros, and indulged and entertained with trivia nights, wine tastings, ghost stories and world-class lectures, all enjoyed from the comfort of one’s couch or the safety of a socially distanced lawn chair. Thanks to all those who checked in or checked it out along the way, as well as to our amazing artists, stage techs, support staff, and all who helped Stayin’ Alive to inspire as it evolved with us and the times! We certainly had fun, and the smiling faces of our audiences assured us that we were not only, as the Bee Gees put it, “Stayin’ Alive,” but, even thriving a bit too!