It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Artistic Director, Erie Mills, on June 23, 2026, at the age of 73. Erie had been a cherished part of the Livermore Valley Opera family since 2009 and led our artistic vision from 2016 onward. Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the joy of knowing and working with her.

Erie was a celebrated coloratura soprano whose voice filled the world’s great opera houses, among them the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, English National Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. She appeared in concert with many of the nation’s leading orchestras and can be heard on the Grammy Award-winning recording of Bernstein’s Candide. Yet for everyone here, what we will remember most is how she carried that artistry with warmth and generosity. She shaped our productions with care, championed young singers, and welcomed first-time audiences as though each one were an old friend.

She believed, simply and completely, in the power of live opera to bring people together. That belief lives on in this community she helped build.

In recognition of all she gave, our Board of Directors has named Erie Mills Artistic Director Laureate of Livermore Valley Opera, an honor she will hold in perpetuity.

We also warmly invite you to share a memory of Erie. Your reflections mean a great deal to her family and to all of us, and you are welcome to reply to this email or write to us at info@livermorevalleyopera.com.

With gratitude and love,

The Livermore Valley Opera Family