Half a century of Making Music Happen

The Guild was founded in 1954 after the Charlotte Opera Association had been producing opera almost entirely with local talent for five years. The primary purpose was to provide financial assistance for opera productions and to further musical appreciation and education.

Balls, fashion shows, teas, luncheons, book reviews, auctions and after-opera parties-all became part of the Guild's repertory of fundraising activities. As a result, annual contributions to the opera sometimes exceeded $30,000.

Almost from the beginning, the Guild was concerned with young music lovers and worked to provide free matinees for Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children and to support music education programs in the schools.

In 1969 the Guild formally established their own scholarship fund for aspiring young singers in Mecklenburg high schools. Gradually the area open to participation expanded to the opera students and graduate students in both North and South Carolina. This activity has grown to the Guild's signature event, the Opera Guild's Vocal Competition, so far recognizing more than  160 young singers with cash awards to help defray the expense of their education.

Today the spirit of having fun while ensuring Charlotte's continued access to good local opera continues. An exciting feeling of camaraderie exists among members as they work and plan together to execute everything from square dances to after-opera parties,  fashion shows to barbecues and days at the farm. ..... all-in-all a great place to make new friends and provide for the health of our city's musical future.

How Can I Turn My Love of Opera into Action?

Why not consider joinging the Guild? A group of fun-loving opera-goers who want to ensure Charlotte's opera future through scholarships, education and the continuation of quality performances.

If you would like to learn more, or would like to join the Opera Guild,

Call 704-574-2701 or e-mail operaguildcharlotte@yahoo.com