Welcome to our Twelfth Annual Palm Springs Opera Guild presentation of Opera in the Park. As we embark on our "new decade", we reflect on how this event has grown to be one of the largest cultural events in the Coachella Valley, attracting people from all over Southern California and neighboring States. Last year our attendance exceeded 4,500 attendees who enjoyed this free community happening. The young musicians and vocal artists welcome this opportunity to bring their artistic talents to such a large audience.
In addition to Opera in the Park, the Palm Springs Opera Guild presents several opera productions each Season in partnership with the McCallum Theatre. Our annual Vocal Competition takes place in early December at the Annenberg Theater. This past December over 100 young singers auditioned for an opportunity to compete in our Finals. Many of these artists appear at Opera in the Park and have gone on to perform at The Met, Chicago Lyric, L.A. Opera and European venues.
We are particularly proud of our "Student Outreach Program" under the direction of Board Member, Andrew Eisenmann. Last season we presented "Operassemblies" to over 10,000 students in the Valley during a two week period. This June, in partnership with Dr. Lorri McCune, Superintendant and the Board of Directors of the Palm Springs Unified School District, that number will exceed 12,000. The grade levels range from Kindergarten to High School and the programs are tailored to the ages of the particular audience. The enthusiasm of the students is very gratifying and we are pleased to supplement the performing arts programs so often absent in today's curriculum.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Palm Springs Opera Guild we'd like to thank all of our generous partners, advertisers and sponsors who have supported us throughout the years. We urge you to learn more about the Palm Springs Opera Guild by calling our office at (760) 325-6107.
George Klauss
President
Palm Springs Opera Guild