April 20, 2022

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of The Opera Guild for Atlanta:

As I assume the responsibilities as President, I want you to know how proud I am of the mission of the Guild and its success in fulfilling that mission. I remain excited about the vitality and enthusiasm of our membership in support of our many efforts to contribute to the sustainability of the operatic art form.

I applaud the Guild’s continued support of the Scholarship Competition for students studying voice in metro Atlanta Colleges and Universities; the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Georgia District and Southeast Regional competitions; local operatic training and performing organizations; and the new Tommy Trotter Opera Competition to support students accepted into summer operatic training programs.

I am especially grateful to Executive Committee members for their selfless contributions to the Guild and who graciously accept their roles with enthusiasm.

I also want to thank the 2020-2022 President, Guerry Mashburn, for his talents and willingness to take on the Presidency during the difficulties of the COVID pandemic.

As we transition from the many uncertainties caused by the pandemic, it is my desire to work toward a more stable and vibrant organization. This will include getting the Board of Directors and membership more involved in the running of the organization, so I look forward to your willingness to serve when called upon.

Thank you, members of the Guild for your continued support and contributions to our organizations’s growth. I know we all believe strongly in Bill Snyder’s statement, “We ARE the Guild. Let’s be proud of what we do, let’s have fun and let’s enjoy the wonderful world of opera.”

W. Dwight Coleman, President

The Opera Guild for Atlanta