FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 18, 2006
Contact:  Bobbie Fisher, Director of Corporate Communications, 757.889.9107

WHRO PREMIERES OPERA INSIGHTS ON 90.3FM

Norfolk:  WHRO 90.3FM personality Lane Dare is the host of a new joint feature of the public radio station and the Virginia Opera.  Prior to the opening night of Carmen, Dare hosted an Opera Insight at the Harrison Opera House, a panel discussion among VOA Artistic Director Peter Mark, psychiatrist Jerry Blackman and the lead singers, including Carmen herself, in the person of Cristina Nassif.  Edited down to two 30-minute radio programs, the first aired under the banner Opera Preview on WHRO 90.3FM on Saturday, September 23rd at 1:00pm.  The second installment will air on Saturday, September 30th, at 1:00pm – and both programs can be streamed on WHRO’s website at http://www.whro.org/home/publicradio/vop/.

Four two-part Opera Insight Previews are planned, each to have a different, innovative format to help opera goers and 90.3 listeners explore various elements and aspects of opera performances.  “These Previews will be humorous as well as informative – very definitely not the kinds of dry lectures too often associated with opera previews,” Dare said, “and we’re excited about offering these to our listeners who either can’t go to the opera, or can’t get enough of it!”

The next WHRO Virginia Opera Previews focus on the company’s production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah and will feature live talks with composer Floyd, who will be present for the production.

WHRO is a regional media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Virginia through a variety of services.  Every day, thousands of viewers and listeners tune in to broadcast programming on WHRO's public television and two public radio stations.  Since its founding more than 40 years ago to support education, WHRO has employed creativity and technology to serve its mission to enrich audiences through content that educates, entertains and promotes understanding. Owned by 15 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month as well.