Support Groups

Founded in 1961, the Guild is celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. The Guild is a social and support group for men and women of all ages who attend the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and enjoy the camaraderie of others who share their interests. Throughout the year we party, get up close and personal with the artists and help them get acquainted in town, take trips together, share opera stories, learn LOTS…and generally support the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. We even have a “sub-set” of the Guild—The Bohemians—just for young professionals under the age of 40.

The Guild is pleased that Tom Brandt has been elected president in 2011 for a three year term. He joined the Guild as a member of the Bohemians.

tjbrandt@everestkc.net

1029 Central

Kansas City, MO 64105 USA
Ph: 816-471-4933

The Opera Omaha Guild is a group of men and women dedicated to supporting the Company with fundraising and opera education efforts. Members plan and promote events such as Cotillion (etiquette classes for area six graders), an Annual Gala and the Burgers & Bordeaux chef competition and Spirits of the Season wine event.

Sheila McNeil is president of the Opera Omaha Guild.

info@operaomaha.org

1625 Farnam, Suite 100

Omaha, NE 68102 USA
Ph: 877-34-OPERA

The Guild plays a vital role in the creative life of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and gives volunteers the opportunity to work side-by-side with artists, staff, and other company members. Although our opera season runs from late May through late June, we are in need of volunteers throughout the year. We welcome your involvement, no matter what your time commitment!

For more information or to express your interest volunteering (please let us know what area you are interested in), please contact Michelle Myers at (314)963-4226
Email: mmyers@opera-stl.org

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis encourages its volunteers to further their involvement by joining Friends of the Festival.

The Guild president is Robert Wagoner (stlwags@aol.com)

OTSL@crebs.net

210 Hazel Ave

St. Louis, MO 63119 USA
Ph: (314) 961-0171 x 226

The Palmetto Opera began in 2001 with a group of motivated enthusiasts and a goal to bring professional opera into South Carolina. Our mission is to present professional opera to the Midlands and South Carolina, so that there is an entertainment, educational, and economic impact on the community and state. We strive to promote local talent. We started small, hiring performers to sing arias in various Columbia venues. We hosted competitions that attracted graduate students and young professionals from the Southeast. Our official debut came in 2003, with our performance of “Love, Murder & Revenge,” a mixture of scenes from famous operas

Kathy Newman is Chair of the Board of Directors.

katnewman@aol.com

P.O. Box 50462

Columbia, SC 29250 USA
Ph:

In a Lyric Opera Chapter, opera lovers of all ages get together to enjoy lectures, musical performances, special events, volunteer opportunities, and each other's company. Each chapter is chartered with the dual purpose of raising money to enhance educational outreach programs and generating support for Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Chapters' Executive Board is the umbrella organization that directs and coordinates activities in the Chapters in the Chicago area and southern Wisconsin.

The Chapters Executive Board President is Kate Letarte.

pletart@rcn.com

20 N. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606 USA
Ph: 312-827-5673

The goal of the Milwaukee Florentine Opera Club is to promote interest in and to support the Florentine Opera in the Greater Milwaukee area through fundraising and audience enhancement. Membership in the Milwaukee Florentine Opera Club is a wonderful way to enhance your appreciation of the opera. It also affords you the opportunity to have an impact on and personal satisfaction in helping spread the appreciation to others. We are an all-volunteer organization, founded in June 1967 to help further its development and network with others who share the same love of the opera as an art form.
In 1998 the Club reached a landmark achievement by contributing over two million dollars to the Florentine Opera since 1967. Meet The Artist, luncheons, Newsletters, Gourmet dinner and Artist Hospitality are just a few examples of the successful fundraising activities and programs planned each year by the Club’s Board of Directors.

The president is Linda Lee Seroka.

info@milwaukeeflorentineoperaclub.org

700 N. Water Street
Suite 950
Milwaukee, WI 53202 USA
Ph: 414-228-7214

Beginning as a support group for Opera Illinois, Peoria in 1972, the Opera Illinois League survived the closing of its parent company and obtained its own 501(C)(3) under continuing President, Mary Ellen Clancy. The League has provided opportunities for its members to hear pre-performance lectures prior to theMetropolitan Opera matinee series, and has arranged tours to attend performances throughout the Central Illlinois area.

For additional information contact: meclancy@sbcglobal.net

meclancy@sbcglobal.net

3805 North Knoxville Avenue

Peoria, IL 61614 USA
Ph: 309-686-1368

Drama. Excitement. Passion. (And that’s just our social events!) Join the Houston Grand Opera Guild. Go behind the scenes of a world-class company. Get to know opera inside and out—from its opulent history, to emerging world premieres, to talented performers. Make your heart sing with volunteer projects for the Houston Grand Opera and Studio.

As a member of the Houston Grand Opera Guild, you’ll meet many talented performers. Besides greeting the on-stage cast, Guild members perform in a myriad of other roles, from education docents to studio artists’ buddies to event underwriters, just to hit the high notes.
For more than 40 years the Guild has been behind the scenes, a chorus of support using its many voices to broaden the appeal and knowledge of Houston Grand Opera.
For more information or to contact us: go to the website, above
The President of Houston Grand Opera Guild is: Steve Brenner

guild@houstongrandopera.org

510 Preston St., Fifth Floor

Houston, TX 77002-1594 USA
Ph: 713.546.0269

The Ogden Opera Guild was founded over thirty years ago with the mission of supporting Utah Opera. In the year 2000 Utah Opera merged with Utah symphony. OOG is considered a subsidiary of US/UO and the funds donated by our annual fundraiser, various grants and membership fees support only Utah Opera. In fact OOG is the only guild which supports the opera.
Over the years, the activities have multiplied, the membership has grown and the funds donated have been substantially increased. The big annual fundraiser, The Chocolate Affaire is held every February, and donations to the opera in the past few years have totaled $25,000. The membership now totals approximately 170 and there are 19 Board members.
Utah Opera’s season includes 4 opera. Several weeks prior to each opera, OOG hosts a symposium featuring some of the lead singers of the forthcoming opera. Aided by a grant from Ogden City, OOG sponsors the apprentice singers from the opera to a performance, free to the public, at Weber State University. The guild also funds 120 students and14 chaperones to attend a dress rehearsal of an opera in Salt Lake City.

The president of Ogden Opera Guild is Judy Vander Heide.

jhheide@aol.com

1787 Ross Drive

Ogden, UT 84403 USA
Ph:

Opera Southwest’s Mission is to produce quality, professional, enjoyable and accessible opera in an intimate setting to audiences of all ages. Moreover, we play a leadership role in arts education in our community.
Opera Southwest incorporated in 1972 as Albuquerque Opera Theatre as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. The 2011-2012 season is Opera Southwest’s 39th year of producing world-class opera in Albuquerque. Opera Southwest’s outreach programs provide an invaluable service by developing free or very low-cost presentations for school children and underserved individuals or groups.
Whether new to opera or a longtime fan, membership in the Opera Southwest (OSW) Guild offers you an unparalleled local opportunity to enjoy and learn more about opera while also supporting OSW.

Helen Horwitz is the president of the guild.

hlhorowitz@yahoo.com

P.O. Box 37167

Albuquerque, NM 87176 USA
Ph: 505-888-7376

The Guilds of The Santa Fe Opera, Inc. is the "umbrella organization" for the six Guild chapters. It is a separately organized, 501(c)3 corporation. The officers of Guilds Inc. are members of the individual Guild chapters. Guilds Inc. functions as a clearing house for all of the Guild chapters by being a catalyst for action and ideas as well as disseminating program ideas and strategies, especially those related to education and advocacy.

During 2010-2012, Guilds Inc. is committed to be involved in the following:

1. Joint Santa Fe Opera/Guilds Inc. Advocacy Program: This involves harnessing the talents of local chapter members on "Opera Day" at the Roundhouse during the 2011 Legislative session; alerting appropriate policymakers to the Opera's Spring Opera Tour involvement in their communities; and helping create awareness at the Policymaker's Dinner at the Opera in late June 2011.

2. Overall Enhancement of Communications Between the Guilds and the Public: This will focus on membership growth by increasing visibility in the communities by communicating and collaborating with other non-profit organizations to present opera and music-related programs in public venues at little or no charge.

The president of The Guilds of The Santa Fe Opera Inc. is John Webber.

johnwebber@santafeoperaguild.org

P. O. Box 2658

Santa Fe, NM 87504 USA
Ph: 505-795-0956

The Opera Guild of San Antonio was formed in 1974 (read more) to promote awareness and enjoyment of opera in the San Antonio area at a time when there was no opera being produced in the region. We have never had an affiliation with any opera company.

We currently focus on Opera Education, including our Opera in the Schools Touring Program, Opera for Middle and High School Students, and Teacher's Guides. This year, we commissioned a children’s opera about Texas hero Jose Antonio Navarro. A documentary and a performance are available for viewing.

We also have adult opera education programs, including a video study course, lectures, and trips to see operas.

Francine Rowden is the president.

There are many benefits to membership as well as exciting volunteer opportunities.

president@operaguildsa.org

P.O. Box 12290

San Antonio, TX 78212-0290 USA
Ph:

The Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund was established in 1988 as a non-profit 501(C)3 charitable organization located in Buffalo, NY, whose mission is to promote opera in Buffalo Niagara and keep alive Erwin Johnson's vision for a city and region that deserves its very own dedicated home for opera and ballet.. The Fund organizes and funds three concerts annually for members and others.

The president of the Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund is Anastasia Johnson, Ph.D.

jhnsn@buffalo.edu

PO Box 566

Buffalo, NY 14207 USA
Ph:

The Glimmerglass Opera Guild provides essential volunteer support to the company throughout the year.

With approximately 200 members, the Guild fills a variety of company needs through its various service, fundraising and education programs.

The Guild furnishes suppers for production staff on Saturday afternoons in July and August when hectic schedules do not allow the staff to leave the site for a dinner break between matinee and evening performances. Guild members also help paint residences used by guest artists, serve as greeters at performances and other events, provide transportation for artists and staff to and from area airports and train stations, assist with campus landscaping, enter information into databases, and much, much more.

Many Guild members also serve in the corps of volunteer ushers. The Guild averages almost 6,000 hours of volunteer assistance every year. In addition to the many volunteer hours, the Guild collectively contributes more than $20,000 to the company every year through the sponsorship of the Doris P. Shields Artistic Intern, the opening night receptions, and other in-kind donations. Through its many programs and initiatives, the Glimmerglass Guild inspires conversations about opera within its membership and works to encourage an appreciation of the art form within the community.

Thomas Simpson is president.

tlullsimpson@msn.com

PO Box 191

Cooperstown, NY 13326 USA
Ph: (607) 547-2255

Enjoy informal member programs held throughout Southern California, social gatherings held throughout Southern California, musicales (opera themed parties held in elegant private homes) and annual Insider Preview with news of the coming season. Learn about this unique art form at exclusive members’ events - seminars conducted for members, Backstage Magic programs with members of the LA Opera Company. Help as an Opera League volunteer at the Opera League Boutique, help at cast dinners provided and staffed by League volunteers, assist at Educator, Student and Senior events and provide services to visiting artists and others. Volunteer hours earn credit toward extra benefits.

The President of The Opera League of Los Angeles is Diane Gray.

webmaster@operaleague.org

P.O. Box 49933

Los Angeles, CA 90049-0933 USA
Ph:

Portland Opera Guild was established in 1960 by a dedicated group of volunteers supporting and promoting opera in the Portland area. The guild evolved into an organization that generously supports opera and opera education. Our fifty years of service actually predates the formation of the Portland opera Association. The Guild was recently recognized by the presentation of the Portland Opera’s Aubrey N. Morgan Award for our vision and service to Portland Opera and to the art form in our region.
The Mission of the Guild is to stimulate interest and participation in opera for the benefit of cultural, educational and musical life in all of Oregon and to assist artists in the arts and aide in the production of opera.

The President of Portland Opera Guild is Mary Svela.

info@portlandoperaguild.com

PO Box 955

Portland, OR 97207-0955 USA
Ph:

San Francisco Opera Guild’s mission is to provide cultural nourishment to the Northern California community through opera education, outreach programs and special events, as well as to provide financial support to San Francisco Opera Association.
Since 1939 it has succeeded in creating an array of programs that have lifted opera out of the realm of an elite society and into the mainstream of human experience. The Guild’s Board of Directors oversees the activities of the Guild. A small professional staff supports the board’s activities. Money raised each year is used to support its education programs and San Francisco Opera.
The Guild’s music education programs enrich students’ lives at a time when budget cuts have removed music from the schools’ curriculum. Students and their teachers in 190 northern California schools take advantage of two in-school programs, Opera á la Carte and Sing A Story. In addition, thousands of students attend five final dress rehearsals of San Francisco Opera productions at the War Memorial Opera House. Other popular Opera Guild activities include preview lectures of six seasonal opera productions that are presented throughout the Bay area, panel discussions with renowned artists, and tours of the War Memorial Opera House. The Guild also awards scholarships to San Francisco Opera’s Adler Fellows and Merola Program participants.

The president of San Francisco Opera Guild is Ann Girard,
The managing director of the SFO Guild staff is Susan Malott.

anngirard@sbcglobal.net

War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102 USA
Ph: (415) 565-3204

The Seattle Opera Guild has been providing educational and social opportunities for its members since 1956. Current Guild membership is approximately 450. Through its fundraising activities, the Guild has raised of $65,000 each year for donation to opera-related organizations. The bulk of the money has gone to Seattle Opera, but other recipients include King county libraries, Metropolitan Opera National council—Northwest Region and Northwest Opera In schools Etc. (NOISE).

The president of Seattle Opera Guild is Florence Rose Thompson.

guild@seattleopera.org

PO Box 9097

Seattle, WA 98109 USA
Ph:

The Skagit Opera relies upon the extraordinary support received from the Skagit Opera Guild. Throughout the year, there are many fundraisers and special events conceived and executed by this group.
The mission of the Skagit Opera Guild is to develop interest in, and facilitate the presentation of, live opera performances. Guild volunteers devote many hours to marketing, fundraising and educational activities. Tasks completed by Guild members suit a wide variety of skill sets, and time commitments vary according to assignment.

The Guild president is Brandi Patsfield.

guild@skagitopera.org

PO Box 1756

Mount Vernon, WA 98273 USA
Ph: 360-293-8188

Through a series of social and fundraising events, the Stockton Opera Guild helps to underwrite the costs of the annual opera productions our community is so fortunate to enjoy. Under the leadership of past President JoAnne Lynch, the Opera Guild gave $20,000 to the Opera Association!

The Guild also organizes and funds the Stockton Opera Guild-Kathe Underwood Scholarship Competition, which provides financial awards to promising young singers who plan to study opera.

We act as ambassadors of opera, encouraging new and old friends to come and experience the annual opera performance and other musically oriented events. In this world of having it all at our fingertips, we can forget that there is nothing like a live performance, especially one including song, orchestra, costumes and classic story lines.

The president of the Stockton Opera Guild is Beverly Fitch McCarthy.

info@stocktonopera.org

PO Box 4314

Stockton, CA 95204 USA
Ph: 209.954.0219

The Vancouver Opera Guild is composed of individuals whose interest in opera brought them together for a common cause. The Guild was officially formed in April 1979 under the British Columbia Societies Act. Since that time, we have maintained a proud tradition of supporting and promoting opera in British Columbia. The Guild plans projects to benefit Vancouver Opera and young talent, organizes social events and coordinates tours to well-known opera houses.

In 2000, we embarked on an ongoing strategic planning process that provides all members an opportunity to participate in setting directions for the Guild. This initiative was recognized with an Opera Volunteers International Resource Competition Award in 2003.

Although we are a separate group from Vancouver Opera, our fundraising efforts support Vancouver Opera programs such as Vancouver Opera In Schools. Each November, the Guild hosts the Metropolitan Opera National council Western District auditions and provides small grants to the winners. Past winners of these auditions have included Judith Forst and Mariateresa Magisano. The Career Development Grant is bestowed annually to either a promising singer or production person who is in the early part of his/her career. The Guild also gives financial support to the University of British Columbia’s Opera School and the Vancouver Academy of Music student opera productions.

The Guild president is Gwyneth Westwick.

vog@shaw.ca

835 Cambie St.

Vancouver, BC V6B 2P4 CAN
Ph: 604-682-2871 x 5001

In the 2009-2010 season, The Board of Directors of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera voted to suspend opera production and to use the year to explore options which would make opera sustainable in Chattanooga.

The CSO has explored options which would make opera viable in Chattanooga, including potential collaborations with regional opera companies, presenting touring versions of opera, limiting productions to one every other year or every three years, or raising an endowment for opera. By taking the time to thoroughly research all of the options available to us, the CSO will emerge with an active plan of action to move the company forward.

There are no performances currently scheduled for the Opera Series.

Katie Wilson is Director of Marketing.

kwilson@chattanoogasymphony.org

701 Broad Street

Chattanooga, TN 37402 USA
Ph:

The Knoxville Opera Guild (formerly East Tennessee Opera Guild) is a non-profit, volunteer organization created in 1992 to support Knoxville Opera Company and to provide a means of fellowship for opera lovers.

Through fund-raising and educational activities, the Guild makes opera accessible to an increasingly diverse audience and enhances the quality of life in our community.

The president of the Knoxville Opera Guild is Phylllis Driver.

info@knoxvilleoperaguild.org

P.O. Box 16

Knoxville, TN 37901-0016 USA
Ph: (865) 524-0795

For the more than 20 years since its founding, Nashville Opera Guild members have cherished their role in preserving and promoting Grand Opera in Middle Tennessee through their support of the Nashville Opera Association, Inc. For the Guild, opera is the gateway to all fine arts—poetry, music, sculpture, painting, design, and dance. The musical score excites and then invites you, the listener, into the emotional realm of superior storytelling that is the heart of every opera. Modern English subtitles allow opera-goers to understand every scene regardless of the language being sung.

The president of Nashville Opera Guild is Nancy Coleman.

nancy2@comcast.net

The Noah Liff Opera Center
3622 Redmon St.
Nashville, TN 37209 USA
Ph: 615.832.5242

Opera Tampa, the resident opera company of the Straz Center, depends on opera lovers to play a leading role. Opera Tampa League members enjoy a host of exclusive members-only benefits and privileges, including special event invitations, premier ticketing options and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet world-class artists that grace our stages.

The president of Opera Tampa League is R. Troy Atlas.

troy.atlas@raymondjames.com

Straz Center for the Performing Arts
PO Box 518
Tampa, FL 33601 USA
Ph: 813-222-1003

The Young Patronesses of the Opera (YPO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, educate and develop the understanding, taste and love of opera in our community. Educating children has always been of paramount importance to the members of YPO. Without fostering and appreciation of or exposure to opera and classical music, by our future generations, it is doubtful that these arts will have the necessary support to survive.

Comprised of over 100 volunteer women, YPO offers programs focused primarily on children’s education. These programs are a need in today’s world where many school systems have taken away or decreased the arts programs in schools.

For more information on volunteer membership and opportunities, go to the website (above)
The President of YPO is Rebecca Spinale

, USA
Ph:

DuPage Opera Theatre is located in the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage, a state-of-the-art facility housing three performance spaces, an art gallery and classrooms for the college’s academic programming. This unique facility has presented theater, music, dance and visual arts to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and last year welcomed more than 75,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances.

pmcebulamusic@sbcglobal.net

Fawell and Park Boulevards

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599 USA
Ph: (630) 942-4239

The Twin Cities Opera Guild, Inc., an independent non-profit organization, is dedicated to opera education and outreach, both in the schools and for the general public, in the seven-county metropolitan area and throughout the State of Minnesota.

The Opera Guild helps finance delightful musical productions staged by students who work on their own sets and costumes and perform as members of the orchestra and cast. We sponsor special student matinees at operas produced by the Minnesota Opera and other local performing groups. Professional singers and musicians visit schools for interactive programs with students. During the calendar year 2010, 14,725 students participated in Twin Cites Opera Guild education programs.

In addition to our school programs, the Opera Guild awards annual scholarships to young singers through the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions program and other established programs for young singers.

The Twin Cites Opera Guild is a national pioneer in opera education for children, introducing students to opera and quality music. Limited opportunities of this kind in today's school systems create ever increasing demand for our resources.

info@twincitiesoperaguild.org

1043 Grand Ave., #189

St. Paul, MN 55105 USA
Ph: 651-227-2409

The Guild is a division of Mercury Opera Rochester that provides a variety of support functions for Rochester’s professional opera company. These include educational outreach programs of free opera lectures at local libraries, tours to productions at leading regional opera companies and to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The Guild also arranges benefit concerts, opera recitals and gala dinners.
Guild volunteers perform many valuable functions such as preparing the mailings for Mercury Opera Rochester and ushering at the Mercury Opera’s productions. All funds raised by the Guild support Mercury Opera Rochester’s productions.

The President of The Guild of Mercury Opera, Rochester is: Dr. Agneta D. Borgstedt

Agneta.Borgstedt@rochester.rr.com

PO Box 92245

Rochester, New York 14692 USA
Ph: 585-334-2323

Muddy River Opera Company’s mission is to bring the beauty of the opera to Quincy, IL and the surrounding area. The company was founded in 1989 as a non-profit arts organization, and incorporated in 1990, with two goals in mind: to make professional operatic performances and educational opportunities available to the tri-state area. In keeping with these goals, the company consistently produces two to four operas a year. As an outreach to wider audiences, most MROC productions of foreign-language operas are performed in English translation. The company hires professional singers, directors, designers and musicians for every production. Auditions take place in Quincy, St. Louis and Chicago. The company also utilizes the Quincy community’s impressive roster of professional and amateur singers, musicians and artists.
Part of the company’s mission is to educate local grade school students in Quincy, Adams county and Hannibal, Missouri about opera, singing and performance through the performance of children’s operas.
Additional information is available on the website, which provides for e-mail enquiries.
President is Avril Marie Bernzen.

, USA
Ph:

Help support The Atlanta Opera! Become and Atlanta Opera Volunteer! The gift of your time and expertise is just as valuable as a monetary gift. Last year Atlanta Opera volunteers contributed more than 6,000 hours! Volunteers help keep costs low and help fulfill the mission of presenting world-class opera productions, while fostering education about this important art form.
For more information on volunteer membership and opportunities, go to the website (above)
or e-mail Stephanie Cantillo, Volunteer Coordinator, scantill@atlantaopera.org

, USA
Ph:

Capitol City Opera Company was formed in 1983 to provide Atlanta area classically trained singers the opportunity to learn and perform complete opera roles and to continue to develop their post-graduate vocal and acting skills on a professional level. Since its inception, the company has flourished as the only opera company in the southeast that primarily helps local singers establish their careers. We present high quality, innovative and exciting opera theatre.

Capitol City Opera Company has created many recurring programs that benefit all ages and demographics of the general public and has toured throughout the Southeast and also Italy. Currently the company performs to opera theatre shows per year, a monthly restaurant series (Dinner and a Diva), a vocal competition, touring Madrigals, touring gala singers, a summer pops concert (On The Light Side), and an astonishing 150-200 performances solely for children.

For more information go to the website, or contact: info@ccityopera.org

, USA
Ph:

Mississippi Opera in Jackson, Mississippi, is the tenth oldest continuously producing professional opera company in America. Currently in development is an outreach program to develop opera performers and volunteers in their student body. This program will serve as a cooperative partnership between Mississippi Opera and opera educators at every institute of higher education throughout the state. “This Co-OPERA speaks so clearly to our goal of making opera relevant in the lives of every Mississippian” states Mississippi Opera Executive Director Elizabeth Buyan. It is exciting to be on the front edge of a program that has so much potential” she concluded.

The President of Mississippi Opera Guild is Betty Bivins.

info@msopera.org

PO Box 1551

Jackson, MS 39215 USA
Ph:

The mission of Shreveport Opera is to produce professional opera and musical productions of the highest artistic quality and to provide educational programming and outreach to children, youth and adults in the Ark-La-Tex region.

Shreveport Opera is one of the oldest opera companies in the country and has been privileged to host some of the world’s greatest performers including Beverly Sills, Franco Corelli, Leontyne Price, and Sherrill Milnes. It has also enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to help launch the careers of internationally acclaimed stars such as Renee Fleming and Greer Grimsley.

Over the years, there have been many creative leaders of the company, notably Mr. Robert Murray, who held the reigns for 17 years producing prominent productions while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Nearly all of the traditional operatic repertoire has been presented over its sixty-two year history.

In the 2000-2001 season, Shreveport Opera created the Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX) education and outreach touring program. SOX brings opera into schools, libraries, children’s hospitals, retirement centers, and other venues in an effort to both entertain and educate our friends and neighbors about opera and the arts. Currently, SOX performs for an estimated 50,000 young people and adults every year.

Shreveport Opera produces three professional main stage operas or musical theater works each year, as well as three operas for SOX. Shreveport Opera is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization (Federal Tax ID #72-6021455) in good standing with the IRS.

executivedirector@shreveportopera.org

212 Texas Street
Ste. 101
Shreveport, LA 71101 USA
Ph: 318-227-9503

The Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild is the major volunteer support team for Shreveport Opera. It is proud to boast a 60 year history and has over 400 current members. The members, primarily women, work hard each and every year to support the Opera through membership drives and special events. The Shrevepor-Bossiert Opera Guild is the financial backbone of Shreveport Opera. Their volunteer efforts continually demonstrate high levels of leadership and fiscal stewardship as they contribute the largest financial gift to Shreveport Opera each season The mission of the Guild is to financially support the Shreveport Opera and to create awareness of opera in our community.

The Guild produces numerous events throughout the year, but they are most proud of the long-standing annual fundraiser Les Boutique de Noel—Holiday shoppers come from all around to search out unique gift items, treasures, or that special something to keep for themselves! It is not only a fundraiser, but has grown into a huge social event for all involved. This effort, along with other similar events results in an average annual gift to Shreveport Opera of roughly $100,000.

The president of the Guild is Cindy Jones.

cindytjones@gmail.com

212 Texas Street
Suite 101
Shreveport, LA 71101 USA
Ph:

Our mission is to encourage and promote opera in the Greater Dayton area and to support Dayton Opera Through fundraising, marketing and education Activities. The Opera Guild of Dayton was founded in 1963.

For additional information, go to the website.

The Guild President is Carolyn t. Winger

, USA
Ph:

PORT Opera is dedicated to producing creative, inspiring and professional opera performances of artistic excellence. PORT Opera plans to continue its growth with more mainstage productions in the summer and to expand its outreach productions in all parts of the region, all as part of its summer Opera Festival concept. The company will continue to provide opportunities for young artists and present singers with international reputations. Efforts continue to for a volunteer support group.

For more information, please go to the above website address

The President of the PORT Opera Guild Committee is: Ann Elderkin, also on the committee are Melody & Warren Schubert.

, USA
Ph:

The purpose of the Friends of Opera Saratoga is to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor and develop an understanding, love and taste of the musical arts, especially opera. The membership organization also provides volunteer support to the Company for its many programs throughout the year

The Friends of Opera Saratoga (FOS) was founded in August 2001 and today has approximately 150 members. New members are always welcome. We invite you to join by completing and sending in the Friends of Opera Saratoga Membership Form, which can be printed by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.

friends@operasaratoga.org

PO Box 3554

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 USA
Ph: 518-587-8677

The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia (OGNV) was founded in 1992 as a volunteer-based, non-profit charitable organization to bring the joy of opera to the local community and develop regional support for the performing arts by fostering an appreciation for local theater across generations.

Introducing children to opera through outreach to parochial, private and public school systems, OGNV helps assemble audiences for an annual children's production and works with various non-profit groups to develop additional programs related to bringing underprivileged, elderly and new immigrants into the community via a universal appreciation for the arts. We invite you to explore our website -- learn more about the Northern Virginia opera community, look into membership and volunteering opportunities and above all, take note of past and upcoming performances. We encourage any feedback, questions or comments you may have and look forward to hearing from you!

operaguildnova@yahoo.com



, USA
Ph:

Integral to the success of Lyric's education programs are the 120 volunteers of the award-winning Lyric Opera Education Corps. Under the guidance of the Education Department's professional staff, Education Corps volunteers implement inschool programs, lead backstage tours, and present community lectures. Becoming a facilitator for Lyric's in-school programs is a great opportunity for former and current teachers to use their experience to enhance the education of Chicago-area students. Community lecturers and backstage tour guides come from all walks of life; the only requirements are public speaking ability and the desire to share the love of opera with others. Education Corps members attend mandatory training workshops and are accepted into each program by audition. Another volunteer opportunity is providing office assistance to the Education Department. Volunteer your enthusiasm and talents to help others enjoy opera!

mriggleman@lyricopera.org

20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 860
Chicago, IL 60606 USA
Ph: 312-332-2244-