Founded in 1976 as the Southwest Virginia Opera Society (SVOS), the company began as a group of volunteers dedicated to the dream of bringing opera to Roanoke and the surrounding region. In May of 1978, the company mounted its inaugural production, Menotti's The Consul. Performances of The Marriage of Figaro and Die Fledermaus constituted the 1978-1979 season, establishing a two-production precedent that has characterized the company's seasonal offerings ever since. Robert Sinclair and Milton Granger provided the artistic leadership in the company's formative years, drawing on talent from the Roanoke region. Audience response was enthusiastic and supportive.

In 1989 the company hired conductor and composer Victoria Bond to provide artistic leadership. During her six-year tenure the company began to build a regional and national reputation for increasingly impressive artistic standards. In 1991 the company changed its name to Opera Roanoke.

Craig Fields was appointed General Manager in 1994 and Artistic Director in 1996. A talented and versatile director, singer and conductor, he aggressively and successfully sought to bring singers of international caliber to Roanoke. His productions were often innovative and sometimes controversial, drawing critical notice in such publications as Opera News. In 2001, the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge recognized Mr. Fields' achievements with its prestigious Perry F. Kendig award.

In December 2004, Opera Roanoke hired Steven White to be the General and Artistic Director of the company. Having served as Principal Conductor since May of 2000, Maestro White brings an international reputation as one of America's pre-eminent opera conductors.

With an acclaimed production of Carmen, conducted by Steven White and directed by Craig Fields, Opera Roanoke christened Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center in May of 2000. One of the most outstanding performance venues in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, Shaftman Performance Hall is the home for all of Opera Roanoke's mainstage productions.

In 2006, the company celebrated its 30th Season with Main Stage productions of La Boheme and Macbeth.  In early 2007, Opera Roanoke moved into its new offices at the Dumas Center.