The Bravissimo Society - An Opera Guild with Panache!

Click here to download a membership form.

The Bravissimo Society is a dynamic organization of volunteers from the Washington, D.C. area who promote interest in and educate the community about opera, support Virginia Opera, and encourage and assist the career and educational development of talented aspiring artists through different programs including Musicales and the Vocal Awards Competition.

Our 2011-2012 opera season is getting under way and Bravissimo is offering a number of events for its membership. We are busy planning events featuring Virginia Opera artists and other new emerging talent; a fall kick-off wine reception where everyone can mix and mingle; behind-the-scenes tours of the productions; lectures; opera education-related events; opera trivia nights and some innovative surprise activities. Also new this fall, we are introducing a student membership level, which will help college students get involved with Virginia Opera.

The Bravissimo Society hosts a variety of exciting events each season, many found on Virginia Opera' calendar of events. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like more information, please contact the Bravissimo Society.

Click here to read the press release.

As the new President of Virginia Opera’s Bravissimo Society, Soprano Kimberley Livingston Bollinger is taking the organization to new heights.

According to Ms. Bollinger, "I was drawn to Bravissimo because of its outreach efforts in the community and the Bravissimo Vocal Awards Competition. At the Competition this past spring more than 50 young artists competed for award money and a coveted role with Virginia Opera. As a singer myself, I know how important it is for aspiring talent to gain exposure and recognition."
 
Ms. Bollinger has the perfect background to lead Bravissimo as she is a trained professional opera singer. Ms. Bollinger earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Voice from the University of Texas and went on to pursue a graduate degree at the University of North Texas. Ms Bollinger apprenticed with Fort Worth Opera and subsequently she sang principal roles in several Texas theaters, including Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Fiordiligi in Così fan Tutte, and the title role inTosca. While living in Germany, Ms. Bollinger was a favorite as the soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah. Upon returning to the U.S., Ms. Bollinger continued her vocal studies with Metropolitan Opera soprano, Ms. Sharon Sweet. During this time she also taught voice at Kansas City, Kansas Community College and concertized in Kansas City. A busy Army Officer’s wife, Ms. Bollinger finds herself now living in the D.C. area promoting Bravissimo and performing locally, including at Fairfax County schools where she helps introduce opera to future Virginia Opera audiences. 

(Above left to right) Baritone José Sasin, soprano Serena Canino and tenor Aurelio Domínguez  

(Above left to right) New Bravissimo friend Allison Adler, Executive Vice-President Sherry Watkins and Founding Member Dr. Joyce Hagel-Silverman

(Above) Tenor Aurelio Domínguez preparing a traditional Venezuela dish, arepas.