Members

The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia would not be where it is today without the help and support of our faithful members. We thank each of them for their contribution and look forward to organizing more annual events to allow the Guild members a chance to relax and enjoy the benefits of their hard work and dedication.



Dear Friend of Opera,

Arts build a community. They strengthen our common bonds and produce an engaging and vibrant dialogue among people from around the world. We contribute to this effort by bringing opera to the local community, but we need your help. With Guild support, we have partnered with local companies to offer opera at affordable prices, introduced talented young singers to the community, and enabled children of all socioeconomic backgrounds to explore the world of opera. Become a member today and help us continue our efforts to make opera accessible, affordable, and fun for everyone. Enjoy a variety of social activities, meet new people, and increase your knowledge of and appreciation for the fascinating world of opera!

Help us make it happen.



Activities for Members

Our members joined the Guild for many reasons. Some want to learn more about opera, while others enjoy attending performances and programs with a convivial group of like-minded friends. Our members have the opportunity to attend opera related events in the area and enjoy a variety of social activities, such as recitals, lectures, and brunches.

An annual brunch and awards ceremony is the highlight of the Guild's calendar. Each fall our members gather to socialize and honor outstanding young singers and local music and arts teachers. We celebrate the end of the year with a festive holiday champagne brunch and mini opera recital.

Throughout the year, the Guild sponsors lectures on various topics by leading professionals in the opera field. Past programs have featured a discussion of the role of choruses in the opera led by soprano Michelle Kunz and a discussion on Rossini and his opera La Cenerentola led by conductor John Edward Niles.

Each year, the Guild plans trips to attend opera and concert performances in the US. Members have enjoyed performances by the Metropolitan Opera, the NY Philharmonic, the Baltimore Opera, and the Pittsburgh Opera; we have also attended the Spoleto Festival in Charleston. In 2010, we will travel to the Chicago Opera Theater and enjoy a tour of musical events in southwest Virginia.

Concerts and recitals featuring rising singers and local performing groups are offered during the year. Past performances have included From Ragtime to American Opera and a recital by soprano Jessica Swink, a graduate of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program.

Guild members gather several times a year to enjoy Metropolitan Opera simulcasts at various area movie houses on Saturdays at 1PM.

Guild Membership

The Guild strives to keep its members up to date on all things pertinent to opera in the area, as well as offering interesting and varied volunteer opportunities. Membership dues are $20 annually.



Miriam Miller President, OGNV

Miriam Miller President, OGNV
As President, Miriam Miller has been the driving force behind the Guild's success. She organizes all events, functions and drives and is in constant motion, always looking to enhance OGNV's work in the community through new projects and charitable outreach. She previously worked as a lawyer for the Department of Labor and is now in private practice.


John Edward Niles Conductor, OGNV

John Edward Niles Conductor, OTNV
John Edward Niles has been with the Guild since 1981, having previously conducted the Bel Canto Opera of New York, Ithaca Opera, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Festival and the Prince Georges Opera. He served as a conductor for the Virginia Opera in its premiere production of La Boheme in 1974 and has worked extensively in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.