March 12 - 22, 2026 at Washington National Opera

He was the “King of Ragtime” whose melodies filled America—but Scott Joplin’s 1910 opera nearly vanished from history. Now, 50 years after Joplin’s posthumous Pulitzer Prize, WNO presents his “forgotten opera” Treemonisha in a world premiere new production. This powerful work reimagines the incomplete piece with direction by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, musical arrangement and orchestrations by composer Damien Sneed, and dialogue and lyrics by playwright Kyle Bass.

Drawing on ragtime and folk music, the story follows young Treemonisha in post-reconstruction era Arkansas. Treemonisha is elected to lead her community away from conjurers and superstitions through the transformative power of education and family. As the finale nears, “A Real Slow Drag” offers a celebratory dance in Joplin’s signature style.

Joplin died before he could see his genius take root, but the seeds he planted have endured. Treemonisha’s deep roots have nourished its legacy—now it will flourish in its rightful place in the opera canon.

April 17 - 19, 2026 at Opera Carolina

The Medium explores psychological tension and supernatural intrigue, with the incomparable Denyce Graves starring and making her directorial debut. 

Apr 25 & 27, 2025 at Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, VA

May 3-4, 2025 at George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax, VA

May 9-11, 2025 at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond, VA

Loving v. Virginia is a monumental moment in the history of racial equality in the United States, yet it has a very humble beginning in the town of Central Point in Caroline County, Virginia where Mildred and Richard lived.

By the spring of 2025, Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony plan to bring this important story to life with a newly commissioned opera written by composer Damien Geter and librettist Jessica Murphy Moo, and directed by Denyce Graves.

Feb 18, 2025, 7:00pm

The Town Hall Celebrates James Baldwin and the 60th Anniversary of the Baldwin/Buckley Debate with The Tongue & The Lash and A Return to Civic Discourse. A chamber opera, created and conceived by composer, Damien Sneed and librettist, Karen Chilton, directed by Denyce Graves.

‘It's the most creative, colorful and meticulously crafted "Carmen" among the several I've experienced. Bursting with imagination, it's full of supremely strong singing, deeply involving portrayals, terrific dance interludes and an Elias Grandy-led orchestra that makes familiar tunes sound fresh again.‘

A co-production with Minnesota Opera