‘Midsummer Opera Dream’ celebrates classical music July 16th to August 2nd
with community opera, family shows, masterclasses and more.
STERLING, Va — Renowned opera musicians and Loudoun County artists are teaming up for a unique music festival in northern Virginia this summer. Happening July 16 to August 2, 2025, Midsummer Opera Dream invites all ages to go behind the curtain of opera music and experience the drama, the artistry, and magnificent voices of opera like never before – with rare public masterclasses, live performances, a romantic ‘Love Concert,’ and two family opera shows designed for young audiences.
Student musicians, opera fans, and classical music lovers have their pick of 10 festival events, each taking place in Sterling, Virginia at the new Dreamscapes Performing Arts Center. Highlights include a vocal masterclass with famed American soprano Joélle Harvey (July 24); a performance of Mozart’s piano sonatas by Dr. Katherine Driscoll (July 19); and an evening of ‘art songs’ performed by Loudoun Lyric Opera (July 22), the resident opera company of Loudoun County.
On July 25 and July 26, families are encouraged to bring their little ones to Who’s Afraid of Opera?, a kid-friendly performance that introduces the wonder of opera through comedy, storytelling, and live music. Specially-priced ticket packages are available for families on Eventbrite.
Midsummer Opera Dream is presented by Canto Vocal Programs, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters emerging artists and opera professionals with world-class training programs and performance opportunities, including an annual training program in Sterling, Virginia. Midsummer Opera Dream marks the 10-year anniversary for Canto Vocal Programs.
For their inaugural summer festival, Canto assembled an esteemed group of artists and teachers from some of the world’s leading institutions including the Metropolitan Opera, The Juilliard School, The Romanian National Opera, the Washington National Opera in D.C. and more. Together, this group will mentor young artists studying under Canto and prepare them for live performances at Midsummer Opera Dream. Festival-goers can also learn from the pros in a series of masterclasses open to the public. While participation is reserved for Canto artists, observers will get a rare look at professional opera coaching in an intimate setting.
Tickets for Midsummer Opera Dream range $0 to $35 and are available online at Eventbrite, with 100% of ticket proceeds going toward Canto Vocal Programs. Ticket purchases may be considered a tax-deductible donation. For more information and the full festival schedule, visit Canto’s website at www.canto-vocal.org
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Media Contact:
Caitlin Driscoll | cdriscoll77@gmail.com
info@canto-vocal.org
All photos courtesy of Canto Vocal Programs