Who We Are

The Vancouver Opera Guild is comprised of individuals whose interest in opera brought them together for a common cause. The Guild was officially formed in April 1979 under the British Columbia Societies Act. Since that time, we have maintained a proud tradition of supporting and promoting opera in British Columbia. The Guild plans projects to benefit Vancouver Opera and young talent, organizes social events and coordinates tours to well known opera houses.

In 2000 we embarked on an ongoing strategic planning process that provides all members an opportunity to participate in setting directions for the Guild. This initiative was recognized with an Opera Volunteers International Resource Competition Award in 2003.

Although we are a separate group from Vancouver Opera, our fundraising efforts support Vancouver Opera programs such as Vancouver Opera In Schools. Each November, the Guild hosts the Metropolitan Opera National Council Western District auditions and provides small grants to the winners. Past winners of these auditions have included Judith Forst and Mariateresa Magisano . The Career Development Grant is bestowed annually to either a promising singer or production person who is in the early part of his/her career. The Guild also gives financial support to the University of British Columbia's Opera School and the Vancouver Academy of Music student opera productions.

Mission

The mission of the Vancouver Opera Guild is to promote appreciation, availability and quality of opera in British Columbia through education, support and advancement of operatic excellence.

Newsletter

Read the latest edition of the Vancouver Opera Guild's newsletter, Notes. 

Pasta and Puccini

The Guild's premier event of the season is at hand. Click here for the exciting details.

Career Development Grant Winner

The winner of the 2009 Career Development Grant of $6,000 is Yannick-Muriel Noah, a 30 year old soprano who has been training with the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble for the past three years. She will use the grant to finance special vocal coaching from Wendy Nielsen (Fredericton) and Gerald Moore (New York) in preparation for her debuts in the title roles of Madama Butterfly and Aida. On the same day that she won our grant, she won $15,000 as the second place finisher at the Montreal International Singing Competition (against 28 international singers!) This singer is going places!
 

 Opera in Vancouver

Vancouver Opera

Opera Appassionata

Opera Pro Cantanti

Guild members attend Vancouver Opera's gala fundraiser, Overture

Annalies Camfferman, Lois Bewley, Jean Fourcroy,Barbara Lowy, Beverley Tamboline, Lis Dawson