For 55 years, the Palm Springs Opera Guild has been bringing the art form to the Coachella Valley through its Opera in the Park program, as well as special events for members and guests throughout the season at homes, the Rancho Mirage Library and PS Underground.
The nonprofit is also committed to reaching students and fostering the next generation of opera lovers and performers by introducing them to the magic of musical storytelling.
“Kids don’t necessarily need to learn opera, but it exposes them to another artistic discipline and widens their worldview,” said Jeffery Roberts, the Opera Guild board president.
The Opera in the Schools program brings live operatic music to the Palm Springs and Desert Sands unified school districts. Each May, 35-minute interactive assemblies teach more than 25,000 youth in grades K-12 about classical music, language and how opera impacts the world. These programs foster the idea that opera is not just for the elite—but a universal expression which everyone should experience.
To that end, the Opera Guild is working to reach the diverse communities of the desert.
“Although English, German, French and Italian operas constitute the ‘big four’ of the opera world, this year, in partnership with the Rancho Mirage Public Library, the guild is hosting a performance of zarzuela, operetta from Spain,” Roberts said.
Before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the guild introduced its OPERAtunity program, a free, 14-day summer educational program for students from ninth grade through the age of 21. Industry professionals, composers, singers, librettists and an accompanist came together with valley choral students to explore the art of opera, with students working one-on-one with the professionals, practicing breath support, diction, practice/time management, stage presence and both historical context and modern developments in opera. OPERAtunity culminated in a final showcase, with students performing both solo and ensemble pieces. The guild is hoping to restart the program next summer.
But before that, the Palm Springs Opera Guild has plenty going on. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the guild will hold its Season Opening Party at Temple Isaiah (332 W. Alejo Road, in Palm Springs). It’s an evening filled with music, food, drinks and fun—as well as a great chance to learn more about the guild and enjoy an evening of opera. The event is free for guild members, and $85 for nonmembers.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the guild will hold the 40th Annual Vocal Competition, which brings together eight finalists from universities and performing-arts institutions.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the guild will hold the 40th Annual Vocal Competition, which brings together eight finalists from universities and performing-arts institutions around the Southwest for an evening of performances judged by a panel of experts. Winners from past competitions are singing with companies worldwide, in Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Fe. Notable singers who have come through the competition include Sondra Radvanovsky, Angela Meade, Charles Castronovo, Lauren Michelle, Angel Blue and Amber Wagner. The event will surely attract some major up-and-coming talent, with more than $35,000 in scholarships to be awarded this year. The winner will be featured in a recital at the Rancho Mirage Public Library on March 13, 2024.
Of course, Opera in the Park is the guild’s most beloved program. This free concert draws tourists and locals to Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. Roberts encourages everyone to mark their calendars to come on April 7, 2024.
“This is the Opera Guild’s chance to present a concert that the entire community can enjoy, with world-class singers in a beautiful downtown setting,” he said.
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and a camp chair or blanket and enjoy the performances. A limited amount of seating in the “Café d’Opera” is available and can be purchased by calling 760-325-6107.
I asked Roberts what motivates him.
“Art is essential for a stable society,” he said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring opera to this community.”
For more information, visit palmspringsoperaguild.org.
