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HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS OPERA
Annapolis Opera was founded in 1972 by a group of local artists who were connected
to the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre Youth Group. In an effort to
mount a production of Gian Menotti’s “The Medium,” Martha
Wright, then co-producer of children’s musicals with the Tom Thumb
Players at the old Plaza Movie Theater was contacted. She responded
to the challenge, and not only agreed to produce the production, but to begin what has become the Annapolis Opera.
Annapolis Opera was formed and organized to develop and maintain a professional
opera company of artistic excellence for Annapolis and Anne Arundel
County. It is intended to provide a professional showcase for
emerging artists of outstanding potential and provide from the Mid-Atlantic
region with performance and professional development activities.
Annapolis Opera also provides an educational program, which serves area residents
from elementary school children to senior citizens. Annapolis Opera
presents several outstanding special events that have become extremely
popular with the citizens of the region.
From
the outset Annapolis community supported the company. The U.S.
Naval Academy and St. John’s College initially offered performance
space. When the company outgrew those spaces it moved to a local
high school. When the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts was established
in 1979 Annapolis Opera proudly became one of the resident companies,
a relationship that continues today. The administrative offices
are located in Maryland Hall and its fully staged productions are
presented there. Annapolis Opera has benefited from the fact that
Artistic Directors Ron Gretz and Braxton Peters have headed the artistic
staff for the past twenty years, providing artistic continuity
and integrity.
Annapolis
Opera also has benefited from the service of many community leaders
as members and officers of the Board of Trustees. The Presidencies
of Col. Harry and Thea Lindauer, Anna Marie Darlington, and Jean
Jackson carried Annapolis Opera to its current position. Several
Mayors of Annapolis have served on the Boatd of Trustees. The recent
past President, Dr. Dennis Monk moved to Annapolis because of the
cultural opportunities available in the area. He was formerly Dean
of the School of Music at the University of Alabama, and has published
extensively on the history of opera. Members of the Board of Trustees
include retired leaders of government and business, educators, retired
opera singers....people from all walks of life who share a love
of opera and the city of Annapolis.
Annapolis
Opera enjoys the support of several agencies, including the Cultural
Arts Foundation of Anne Arundel County and the Maryland State Arts
Council. Corporate sponsors include AT&T, ezStorage, the Helena Foundation,
SI International, Lockeed Martin, and Booz Allen Hamilton. However,
the greatest support comes from individual donors who believe in
the mission of Annapolis Opera. |
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