The World Premiere of Loving v. Virginia – A Remarkable Tribute!"

The new opera “Loving v. Virginia,” which debuted on April 25 in Norfolk, features poignant one-liners that linger with me. Soprano Flora Hawk, portraying Mildred Loving, passionately declares, “I feel free,” after her landmark Supreme Court victory in 1967. Baritone Jonathan Michie, as her husband Richard, emphasizes, “I just love my wife.” Commissioned by Virginia Opera for its 50th anniversary, this compelling narrative of forbidden love highlights a critical moment in American history, addressing themes of social justice and civil rights.