On December 15, 2019, The Opera Guild for Atlanta held its annual Holiday Party at The Atlanta Opera’s Rehearsal Hall. Guild members enjoyed delicious food, warm fellowship, and superb entertainment. 2019 was also the 70th Anniversary of the Guild’s founding in 1949, so the party ended with cake and a champagne toast.

Amy Smithwick, soprano, provided the entertainment. She is a KSU graduate, was a winner of the 2018 MONC Georgia Auditions, sings in the Atlanta Opera Chorus, is singing Gretel in The Atlanta Opera Studio’s 2019-20 production of Hansel and Gretel, and sang Norina in Don Pasquale  with Capitol City Opera. That’s almost every organization we support!

Amy was accompanied by Rolando Salazar, Chorus Master and Assistant conductor of The Atlanta Opera. Rolando originally came to Atlanta to study conducting at GSU. He has been an accompanist and coach at the GSU Harrower Summer Opera Workshop.

The Opera Guild for Atlanta President W. Dwight Coleman, left, presents the annual Service Appreciation Award to Ann Hayes for her many years of volunteer work for and support of the Guild. Guerry Mashburn, incoming Opera Guild for Atlanta President, looks on.

Guild members enjoying the festive Holiday Party pictured below.

Guests at the party. Left to right: , Guerry Mashburn, Bill Snyder.

Guests at the party. Left to right: Faye Popper, Dwight Coleman.

Guests at the party. Left to right: Gary Youngblood, Irene Coletta, Bill Markle, Mike Lorton.

Guests at the party. Left to right: , Dwight Coleman, Guerry Mashburn, .

Guests at the party: Ted and Gundren Chapman.

Guests at the party. Left to right: Bill Markle, , Larry Vinson.

Guests at the party. Left to right: , Mary Coleman, Dwight Coleman, .

Guests at the party. Left to right: , Benny Barciela, Irene Coletta, Samantha Markle, Bill Snyder, Sara Frooman, .

Dwight Coleman, Mary Coleman and Mike Lorton pose in front of a display of some of the many costumes created over the years by Joanna Schmink and The Atlanta Opera Costume shop.

The party finished with a champagne toast and a helping of 70th Anniversary cake for all!

The Opera Guild for Atlanta thanks The Atlanta Opera staff and their Administrative Assistant, Chamberlynn Shelton, for helping out with our 2019 Holiday Party!