Opera on the James

06/01/2026

It was a perfect day for a Picnic Concert at Point of Honor! Thank you to artists Penny Shumate and Tom Getty, and the kind folks at Lynchburg Museum System for a lovely afternoon! Thank you to Lisa Joyner, recipient of the Bravo/Brava Award for all she has done for OOTJ. Season 21 is a wrap and Season 22 is on sale now! Visit operaonthejames.org for the season rundown!

05/28/2026

Picnic Concert Sunday at Point of Honor!

Email from Opera on the James   What a piece of luck for us all! Our favorite pianist and master vocal coach, the Director of our Tyler Young Artist Program, has decided to leave the New York City are

05/20/2026

Soprano Penny Shumate sings “Bach to Broadway” at Point of Honor Picnic Concert 5/31! Tickets at Lynchburg tickets.com https://conta.cc/3PtDTVA

Email from Opera on the James Soprano Penny Shumate Performs "Bach to Broadway" 5/31 at Point of Honor!   Opera on the James’ Delivers Early Summer Delight Annual Picnic Concert Announced at Point of

04/23/2026

Opera on the James’ Delivers Early Summer Delight:

Annual Picnic Concert Announced at Point of Honor May 31st
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Opera on the James will offer its annual Picnic Concert on May 31, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Point of Honor, offering an hour or so of live music in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The concert will feature acclaimed soprano Penelope Shumate, returning to Lynchburg to present a special program titled Baroque to Broadway. Local audiences may remember Ms. Shumate& #39;s turns as Violetta in La Traviata, Musetta in La Boheme and Fiordiligi in Così Fan Tutte, as well as in various concerts and gala performances. Her eclectic program, accompanied by pianist Tom Getty, includes classical masterpieces along with Broadway favorites.

“This concert brings music lovers of all ages together each year in a welcoming, informal environment,” said Opera on the James’ Artistic Director Peter Leonard. “Penny’s versatility makes her the perfect artist to connect these musical worlds.” Guests are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs to fully enjoy the outdoor experience. The event aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere where attendees can relax and engage with live music in a unique way.

Tickets are priced at $35 for general admission, $75 for VIP reserved seating, and $15 for students. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.lynchburgtickets.com/picnic-26 or call 434-528-3397.
Opera on the James Opera on the James is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Central Virginia community through high-quality opera performances and
educational outreach programs.

Contact:
[email protected]
434-528-3397
www.operaonthejames.org

04/01/2026

Nice profile of Perry in this week’s Lynchburg Agenda!

One foot in business, one foot in art, both feet firmly rooted in the Lynchburg community By: Helen Berry Perry Payne Millner wants you to give the opera a shot. As someone who grew up in theatre—a student of EC Glass High School’s Theatre program and then an

03/29/2026

What a night. ✨ Thank you to everyone who made Moonlight Over Monte Carlo such a dazzling success!

If you snapped photos please share them and tag Opera on the James so we can relive the magic together. 📸

We’ve also heard from several guests who wanted the Zeffy (fee-free) donation link from last night’s auction and paddle raise… and we’re delighted to share it here!

Every gift keeps the music playing and supports our incredible Tyler Young Artists. 🎶

03/28/2026

The name’s Gala. Moonlight Over Monte Carlo Gala. And it’s tomorrow night. ✨

Our Tyler Young Artists are dressed, warmed up, and ready to deliver a floorshow that would make Monte Carlo blush—offering Mozart, Broadway, Van Morrison and some American Songbook stirred in (not shaken).

Then… the live auction…

We’re talking:
🎶 a private concert in your living room from Hope Harris or Perry Payne Millner
🎩 a custom tux or suit + closet glow-up with James Bower from R. Coffee Ltd
🌆 a Metropolitan Opera escape with serious perks
🍷 dinners, travel, and experiences you absolutely cannot Google later

In other words: come prepared to fall in love… and possibly raise your paddle.

Black tie optional. Dramatic flair encouraged.
Let’s make it a night worthy of a finale. 🥂

Thank you to our sponsors Randolph College, N B Handy, R Coffee Ltd, The Craddock McWane Collins Group at Baird Financial and WM Jordan. We are so grateful for your support!