Presented by Perry Payne Millner ‘86 and Peter Leonard.

Opera on the James (OOTJ) presents a program of selections from its fall residency of Tyler Young Artists (YAPS), and a preview of its upcoming production of Puccini’s masterpiece, “La Boheme,” November 8th and 10th at Lynchburg’s HIstoric Academy Theatre.

The OPERA AMERICA Level Four Professional Company in downtown Lynchburg kicks off its 20th Anniversary season in October 2024. The company produces fully-staged opera events with a full orchestra each season, as well as smaller operas, concerts, cabarets, lectures, and talkbacks. The company offers a community outreach program of performances and lectures in schools, community venues, and in its studios at 701 Main Street.

A quartet of singers chosen twice each year through national auditions, YAPS performs the bulk of our community programs in elementary schools, community centers, public libraries, and historic landmarks throughout the region. In OOTJ’s 19th season, the YAPS reached more than 6,000 central Virginians.

Perry Payne Millner ’86 is an experienced arts administrator who previously led the Virginia Theatre Association as Executive Director and Charlottesville’s Paramount Theater as Creative Director.

A freelance writer, editor, and visual artist, Perry has worked extensively in musical theatre and cabaret as a creator, performer, and producer. She was also an original investor in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical, “In the Heights.”

A graduate of EC Glass High School and Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), Perry has served on local boards including the Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg Historical Foundation, and Endstation Theatre Company. She lives in Lynchburg with her husband Victor Millner and a sweet springer spaniel.

Peter Leonard became OOTJ’s General Director in October 2020. Since 2015, he has led numerous OOTJ productions as the Company’s Principal Conductor. (La Traviata, Carmen, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Falstaff, Le nozze di Figaro, I barbiere di Siviglia and Rigoletto).

Mr. Leonard has lived and worked extensively in Germany, as well as other European locations. He has guest-conducted orchestras throughout North America, including the New York Philharmonic and the orchestras of Alabama, Dayton, Edmonton, Florida, Jackson, Nashville, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Spokane, Tucson, West Virginia, and Winnipeg.

A gifted speaker, Peter also offers insights on business and life issues, viewed through the lens of fine art. As Music Director of The International Forum, a prestigious business consulting firm, he has presented courses in “Leadership Through Music,” a hands-on experience focused on the relevance of great music to everyday life.

The University of Lynchburg’s LIFE@Lynchburg program offers not-for-credit learning opportunities for community members aged 50 and older. The program features weekly presentations on a variety of engaging topics, taught by current and retired faculty and staff members or area educators and presenters.

Our payment and membership options and benefits provide access to a range of on-campus amenities.

• Semester pass: $85
• Semester Virtual Membership: $49
• Annual Membership: $150
• Annual Virtual Membership: $79
• Single Event Pass: $12

Learn more about our different membership options.