FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Opera on the James Receives $30,000 Grant for Building Envelope and Safety Improvements

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Opera on the James has received a $30,000 grant from the Marietta McNeill Morgan & Samuel Tate Morgan, Jr. Trust, to support building envelope and safety improvements at the company's downtown Lynchburg headquarters.

The grant will help fund priority repairs identified through professional architectural and engineering assessments of Opera on the James' facility at 701 Main Street. Recommendations include improvements designed to address water intrusion, protect the building envelope, preserve structural components, and ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the building.

"We are deeply grateful for this generous investment," said Perry Payne Millner, Executive Director of Opera on the James. "Like many arts organizations, we devote as much of our funding as possible to performances, education, and community engagement. Grants such as this allow us to care for the facility that makes all of that work possible."

Originally constructed in 1964 as a Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company customer service center, the building has served as Opera on the James' headquarters since 2010. Today it functions as a year-round center for rehearsals, arts education programs, production preparation, volunteer activities, administrative operations, and community events.

The Morgan Trust award builds upon previous support from the Easley Foundation, which funded exterior window recaulking identified in the facility assessment. Together, the two grants represent more than $38,000 invested in preserving and protecting Opera on the James' downtown home and advancing a phased plan to address priority facility needs.

"Our building is where artists rehearse, students learn, volunteers gather, and productions begin long before audiences take their seats in the theatre," Millner said. "Maintaining it responsibly is essential to preserving the artistic and educational work we provide throughout Central Virginia."

The improvements are part of Opera on the James' ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship of its facilities and resources, ensuring that the organization can continue serving audiences, students, artists, and community partners for years to come.

Now entering its 22nd season, Opera on the James is Central Virginia's professional opera company. Through mainstage productions, educational outreach, free family programming, young artist training, and community partnerships, the company brings high-quality opera and vocal arts experiences to audiences of all ages throughout the region.

About Opera on the James

Opera on the James is Central Virginia's professional opera company, serving audiences throughout the region through performances, educational programs, community partnerships, and artist training initiatives. Founded in 2005, the company is an OPERA America Level Four Professional Company and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Media Contact:

Perry Millner, Executive Director

Opera on the James

701 Main Street

Lynchburg, VA 24504

perry@operaonthejames.org

434.528.3397