The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia was founded to provide community support to the Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia. It has since expanded its mission to promote all of the cultural arts that are contained in an opera.

Description:
The Opera Guild of Northern Virginia was begun in 1991 to provide community support to the Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia. It has since expanded its mission to promote all of the cultural arts that are contained in an opera.

In particular, the Guild works to enrich the lives of children by encouraging and promoting the teaching of music and art. The Guild strives to make enjoyment of the cultural arts be an integral part of the lives of all in the area. This is done by providing recognition to the work of outstanding teachers who do great things in the schools to introduce students to the classical arts. The Guild seeks to be a voice in the community to not only recognize these special teachers but to learn their needs and seek to find solutions.

For adults in the community, the Guild mission is to offer a local, accessible organization that provides opportunities to learn more about opera and the musical arts. This is done through lectures, special musical events, hosting performances of schools, and frequent group trips to New York City, Dover, Delaware as well as group trips to Europe.

The Guild also seeks to offer information about various operatic and musical events of other less-well-known but professional organizations in the area.

The Guild is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia and has been recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity. Networking has built friendships, and while the members may not attend every event they are treated as if the Guild is their organization.

History:
The Guild has been in continuing existence since 1991. It now has approximately 250 members, but no paid staff; all work is being done by volunteers. About 20 members do some volunteer work but most is done by president.

Contact people:

Miriam Miller, President, (703) 536-7557, (email) Donald Miller, Husband/Board Member, (703) 525-0465, (email) Thelma Shamblem, Secretary, (703) 536-4844

Address:

4620 Lee Highway, Suite 212 Arlington, VA 22207 (See a map)

Directions:

Lee Highway (Route 29) and Glebe Road (Route 120) is the nearest intersection. This is an office building clearly marked and the office is on the 2nd floor. There is bus service on Lee Highway and Glebe. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Ballston,   Walk distance (in minutes): 35   Nearest Bus Stop: Out front