Bradenton Opera Guild

Bradenton Opera Guild is a nonprofit organization that fosters the appreciation of opera in Manatee County. Our objectives are:

• To raise funds for the Sarasota Opera Association.
• To promote knowledge and appreciation of opera in the community.
• To encourage and assist aspiring young opera singers.
• To present programs, open to the public, and fostering appreciation
  of music, especially opera.

General Meetings

Meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, September through April at the El Conquistador Country Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, Florida, 34209. Coffee is served at 10 a.m. followed by a brief business meeting and musical program at 10:30 a.m. An optional lunch takes place at the conclusion of the meeting. Lunch reservations, at $17.00 per person, can be made by calling Jeanne Yeagle at 941-755-7426.

Bel Canto

A newsletter, the Bel Canto, is published monthly to keep members informed on news about the guild, information about coming events at Sarasota Opera and in the community.

Preludes

Preludes familiarize members and guests with the operas to be presented in the 2011-2012 season. Presentations will be held on December 16 (Otello), January 20 (Carmen), and February 17 (Vanessa). Refreshments are served at 9:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning promptly at 10. Preludes are held at Westminster Shores, 1700 3rd Avenue W, Bradenton 34205. Each prelude is $5.00, and no reservations are required.

Scholarships

Bradenton Opera Guild generously gives scholarships to outstanding Sarasota Opera performers and to Sarasota Youth Opera members from Manatee County to assist them in their pursuit of operatic careers. Scholarship funds are generated through contributions of Guild members and proceeds from events.

Events

Many exciting events are available to members and guests throughout the year. Here are just a few:

January 15, 2012 6 PM
A Winter Gala
Enjoy a glittering evening of fine dining and dancing at Lakewood
Ranch County Club, honoring Maestro DeRenzi’s 30th anniversary with
Sarasota Opera.

January 29, 2012 2 PM
The Stars of Tomorrow Concert featuring the Apprentice Artists of
Sarasota Opera in concert.

February 15, 2012 11:30 AM
Deane Allyn Award Luncheon
Join us as we honor a Manatee County member of the Sarasota Youth
Opera with a special award.

February 29, 2012 11:30 AM
Fashion Show and Luncheon
Lakewood Ranch Country Club
A delicious lunch with beautiful fashions from Irene’s Resort Wear.

March 14, 2012 11:30 AM
Helen Jepson Dellera Award Luncheon
We’re proud to present an award to one of Sarasota Opera’s fabulous
young Studio Artists.

Why Join the Bradenton Opera Guild?

We love opera, and enjoy supporting Sarasota Opera. Our monthly meetings give us the opportunity to hear the wonderful singers of Sarasota Opera in a more intimate space, and to get to know the singers personally. In opera we hear the power and glory of the human voice, singing memorable melodies, and whenever members of Bradenton Opera Guild get together, we have fun.

Membership Year:       June through May
Regular Member:         Individual: $30.00        Couple: $40.00
Sustaining Member:     Individual: $50.00        Couple: $60.00