The Guild for WCO is a support organization that offers educational/social

programs aimed at enhancing your enjoyment of Washington Concert Opera and opera

in general. Activities include special lectures prior to WCO productions by

distinguished musicologists, programs that add to your knowledge or provide

unique insights about opera and related subjects, and bus trips (with dinner) to

area performances of noteworthy operatic performances, particularly to Baltimore

Opera matinees. Local events always include light refreshments and time to meet

persons with similar musical interests.    

    The Guild also sponsors trips to outstanding opera venues or events outside the

D.C. area. These have included Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Minnesota

Opera for the North American premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale conducted by WCO

Artistic Director Antony Walker, a Berlin/Dresden/Leipzig trip that featured

five unusual operas in five different opera houses, and repeated trips to New

York for special combinations of operas at the Metropolitan Opera and New York

City Opera. In June 2007 the Guild trip featured three operas at San Francisco Opera. 

These out-of-area trips include educational tours that provide

insights into the local art and culture and often feature visits to artists’

studios or other behind-the-scenes experiences.

 In May 2008, the Guild will sponsor its first extended bus tour to attend Pittsburgh Opera's performance of  Bellini's The Capulets and the Montagues. Maestro Walker will conduct, and Vivica Genaux (our Falliero in WCO's spring production) will star as Romeo.This trip is sold out, but for information about other trips, call June Hajjar (703-683-1198) or Dottie Schmidt (301-460-3530) or email to junehajjar@aol.com or billanddot@aol.com.

    .   

    The Guild was founded to support and promote awareness of WCO and is dedicated

to its growth and prosperity, so there is a real camaraderie among the

membership. Since the Guild is entirely separate from Washington Concert Opera,

donations to WCO do not apply toward Guild membership. If you would like to join

the Guild, just print this page, complete the membership application form, and

mail it with your dues check to the address on the form. Annual dues are $25

single, $35 double (two persons living in the same household). If you have

questions about the Guild, please email Membership Chair Dottie Schmidt at billanddot@aol.com.

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The Guild for Washington Concert Opera

P.O. Box 357, Falls Church VA 22040-0357

Annual Membership through June 30, 2008

Dues: $25 Single; $35 Double (two people in one household)

Enclosed is my check payable to The Guild for WCO for $____________ for single

or double membership (please circle one).

Name(s)_________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Phone: Day___________________________ Evening____________________________

Email__________________________________________________________________

For Guild Use: Date Check Received __________ To Membership __________ To Mailing List__________