ABOUT THE OPERA GUILD
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Opera Guild
The Opera Guild of Opera on the James was organized in the fall of 2010 for the purpose of offering Guild members an opportunity to: indulge the love of opera; expand horizons in this dynamic and exciting art form; enjoy the company and perspectives of other opera enthusiasts; learn more about and support Opera on the James productions; be eligible for unique behind the scenes opportunities to interact with artists; encourage others to appreciate the ability of opera to feed the soul; and foster accessibility of opera to diverse audiences.
Opera Guild Season, 2011-2012
Under the direction of Gail Morrison, Chair of the Opera Guild and President Elect of Opera on the James, the Guild is celebrating its second exciting season with a full and enticing schedule for our 118 members.
Autumn 2011 included the grand opening of the home of Opera on the James at 701 Main Street; a guild sponsored trip to the charming town of Staunton, Virginia, featuring a scrumptious lunch and an afternoon at the Blackfriar’s Theater with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest; an evening with the creative team from Opera on the James’ fall production of Madame Butterfly, for a behind-the-scenes look at building an opera character from the ground up; and a celebration of the holidays with delicious food and delightful music at the lovely historic home of Bruce Johnson and Genevieve Whittemore on Washington Street.
Guild events in winter 2012 began with a January First Friday exhibit of art from Martinsville, Virginia followed by a charming lunch and rehearsal visit with the creative team and cast of Opera on the James’ Love Makes the World Go 'Round!
Looking toward the end of winter and beginning of spring, the Guild schedule will include an afternoon devoted to Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love with Mary Ann Archer (former flutist with The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Opera on the James orchestra manager) and Patrizia Prevosto Johnson (Italian native and language teacher), as well as an exciting and informative spring evening of wine, cheese, and chat with conductor Francesco Milioto, stage director Patricia Weinmann, and Michael Wanko, “Dr. Dulcamara” in The Elixir of Love. To conclude the season in true operatic style, the Guild plans to host a trip to Charlottesville, Virginia on Sunday, May 13th for lunch and a seat in the beautiful Paramount Theatre, to enjoy Lyric Opera Virginia’s jewel box presentation of Bizet’s Carmen.
For more information about the Guild, Guild events, or how to become a member, please contact Gail Morrison, 434.384.6555, gailmorrison@verizon.net
MARCH
WEDNESDAY 21st
Wine, Cheese, and Chat, an exclusive Guild event with conductor, stage director, and leading man of The Elixir of Love, Academy of Fine Arts
FRIDAY 23rd at 7:30PM
Opera on the James presents The Elixir of Love, preceded by director's notes, Academy of Fine Arts, Lynchburg
SUNDAY, 25th at 3:00PM
The Elixir of Love, preceded by director's notes, Academy of Fine Arts, Lynchburg
VISIT our website, HYPERLINK "http://www.operaonthejames.org" www.operaonthejames.org, for the schedule of many free concerts, and staged operas for children and families, performed by Opera on the James Young Artist Program.
LATE SPRING, EARLY SUMMER
As the weather gets sweeter, plans for the Guild and other opera lovers will include several fresh air choices such as Opera to Die For, at Lynchburg's Old City Cemetery, and a trip to Lorin Maazil's Castleton Festival in Castleton, Virginia, for an afternoon of opera with major opera stars.
