THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, February 9, 1997              TAG: 9702070016
SECTION: COMMENTARY              PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   22 lines

PURE JOY FROM THE OPERA

Congratulations to Virginia Opera for fulfilling its obligation to the city. I am delighted, as a volunteer.

I urge all residents to take advantage of this extraordinary place, not only to hear some of the best music in the world but to view some of the most fantastic scenery and lighting.

The stage is small compared to some, but what these people do with it is unbelievable. The mood by some of the performers holds one spellbound, such as when in ``Lucia de Lammamoor'' the lovely Sujung Kim sang her mad scene.

We have sailed on a huge ship with the Flying Dutchman who looked 7 feet tall and two yards wide with a deep baritone voice.

Yes, Virginia, there is an opera association, and it is weaving its magic into our hearts with music, lighting, scenery and evenings of pure joy.

HELEN S. ORNOFF

Norfolk, Feb. 2, 1997