Lights

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Charlottesville Ballet and Opera on the James will present America250: Voices of Virginia in Charlottesville. This sweeping multidisciplinary performance traces the arc of the American story—from its founding to the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, to today—through dance, opera, theater, poetry, and music created by Virginia artists.

Audiences will experience:

  • Early American compositions and contemporary works, reflecting the evolution of American music across centuries
  • Poetry by American literary greats Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes, alongside the powerful voice of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer
  • Multimedia pieces and historical visuals, including a piece honoring our military veterans, plus  collaborations with filmmaker Phil Spinner and Lynchburg’s Pierce Street Gateway
  • Four singers from Opera on the James’ Tyler Young Artist Program, pianist Thomas Getty, and guest violinist Virgil Moore (Lynchburg native, Juilliard ‘26), all performing alongside Charlottesville Ballet’s professional company

America250: Voices of Virginia is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of who we are, how we got here, and where we’re headed together. Don’t miss this inspiring experience of history in motion.

Join Us for a Special Post-Show Event

Presented by DuCard Vineyards – wine included for ages 21+

Join us for a thought-provoking public forum immediately following the performance, available as an add-on with any ticket type and included for VIP tickets (look for purple seats in the orchestra center). This dynamic conversation—featuring artists, scholars, and civic leaders—will delve into the powerful role the performing arts have played in shaping civic identity throughout history. Together, we’ll explore how live performance continues to build community, inspire dialogue, and foster meaningful connection in today’s world.

This production is generously underwritten by Mary Jae Abbitt Sushka and Lewis & Bobbi Dunn, and supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), the National Endowment for the Arts/America250, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The Paramount Theater is pleased to bring diverse programming to the stage and screen. The Theater does not provide advisories about subject matter for events, as sensitivities vary. Not all events may appeal to, or be appropriate for, every person. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows offered in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In addition to show synopses, trailers, and reviews on our web events, other resources about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches. For further questions, please contact the Box Office at 434.979.1333 or at boxoffice@theparamount.net, 10AM-2PM Monday-Friday + 1 hour before events.