Roman the Yard
Photos by: Jo Ann Breaux
Hosts Melissa Burgess displays her beautiful artworks
Part of what is amazing about the city we live in is its cultural arts. It’s been difficult getting back into the swing of things post pandemic isolation, but I’m determined to continue to showcase all that RVA has to offer and Saturday night was no exception.
As Marketing Director for The Latin Ballet of Virginia, I have a vision to integrate culture, community, and education into our home here. As a Realtor®, I want to be able to show clients how they can invest not only in their homes, but can also add to the growth and identity of neighborhoods and communities throughout Richmond. So what does all this have to do with Romans? Well I’ll tell you…
Melissa Burgess and husband, Geoff have a lovely home in the Southside of RVA and were very gracious in opening up their backyard to Capitol Opera’s presentation of “The Coronation of Poppea”, an Italian opera by Claudio Monteverdi telling the story of Emperor Nero and his mistress Poppea and her rise to collect the throne to become Empress of Rome. Capitol Opera, along with RVA Baroque, a musical ensemble specializing in historical instruments and techniques, and The Latin Ballet of Virginia collaborated and presented an enchanting evening of art, music, dancing and singing.
It is always amazing when you can bring neighbors or a community together to share in something special. Melissa Burgess showcased her beautiful paintings around the yard and fifty lucky audience members became enraptured with the telling of this historically driven piece. It was made even more endearing watching a neighbor set up camp in front of her window while she ate her dinner and enjoyed the show. The evening was full of serendipity and I was honored to be able to capture some moments of four very talented entities. Some of the best moments are unexpected, but discovering something new in the town you live in is magical. Catch Capitol Opera’s last two performances on July 22nd and 24th and for more information on how you can help these organizations thrive and enchant other audiences, click below.