RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – The Library of Virginia today announced that acclaimed American musician Damien Geter will be recognized with its honorary Patron of Letters degree. 

The Patron of Letters degree, granted by the Library Board, is the Library of Virginia’s highest honor. The honorary degree recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the realm of arts, history, humanities, or information, library or archival science. The 2025 honoree has distinguished himself through his transformative impact on music, fusing classical forms with influences from the Black diaspora to compose works that further the cause for social justice.

“Damien Geter’s contributions as a composer and performer have made an extraordinary impact on music and culture throughout the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Malfourd Trumbo, chair of the Library Board. “We’re proud to recognize him with the Library’s highest honor for his remarkable artistry.”

Born in Petersburg, Geter grew up in a musical family in Chesterfield County. After graduating with honors from Matoaca High School, he received an undergraduate degree in music education from Old Dominion University in 2002 and a Master of Music degree in conducting from Indiana State University in 2004. A bass-baritone, Geter has sung with opera companies around the country, including the Metropolitan Opera.

"What a privilege it is to be recognized by my hometown team in such a profound way,” said Damien Geter. “I’m humbled to receive this distinguished honor from the Library of Virginia. "The Commonwealth of Virginia — the place where I was born and the place I carry with me in my heart — is an enduring part of who I am." 

In May 2025, the world premiere of Geter’s new major opera, “Loving v. Virginia,” concluded the Virginia Opera’s 50th anniversary season. Based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving and their landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that struck down state laws banning interracial marriage, the opera is co-commissioned by the Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony, and co-produced by the Virginia Opera and the Minnesota Opera. Another new opera of Geter’s, “Delta King’s Blues,” commissioned by IN Series, will also premiere in 2025. His song, “Amanirenas,” commissioned by soprano Karen Slack for her African Queens art song program, is touring nationally. Future commissions include world premieres with the Richmond Symphony and Nathaniel Dett Chorale, as well as a new operatic production at Portland Opera in 2026.

Owner of DG Music, Sans Fear Publishing, Geter serves as interim music director and artistic advisor at the Portland Opera and is the Richmond Symphony’s composer-in-residence through 2026. His works include compositions for chamber and orchestra, vocal ensemble and opera. 

The Library will present Geter with an honorary degree during the 28th Annual Virginia Literary Awards Celebration on Sept. 20, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.lvafoundation.org/tickets. 

For more information about the Virginia Literary Awards, visit https://lvafoundation.org/literaryawards.

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ABOUT THE VIRGINIA LITERARY AWARDS 
Hosted by award-winning author Adriana Trigiani, the 28th Annual Virginia Literary Awards Celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, with nominated authors, presenters and special guests. Dominion Energy is the presenting sponsor and Carole and Marcus Weinstein are the celebration sponsor for this annual event, which attracts all who enjoy the written word and support literature. The festivities kick off on Friday, Sept. 19 with the Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets are available for purchase at www.lvafoundation.org/tickets. For sponsorships, please call 804.692.3592.

ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA 
The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.