Opera & the Declaration of Independence | Opera America Magazine

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Flora Hawk and Jonathan Michie in Loving v. Virginia at Virginia Opera in 2025 (photo: Dave Pearson)

Article Published: 22 Jul 2026

Q&A: Has American opera embodied the ideals of the Declaration of Independence?

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Opera America Magazine is exploring the roots of opera in America in a series of essays by renowned cultural historians, artists, and field leaders.

This article was published in the Summer 2026 issue of Opera America Magazine.