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  Thirteen years after the Connecticut Opera Association was established, Carl Lindstrom of the Hartford Times suggested that an Opera Guild ought to be formed. In May, 1954, the Connecticut Opera Guild came into being with Pauline and Carmen Kolodney at its head. The purposes were threefold: to support the Association, to promote OPERA, and to educate, especially for audience growth. I remember those early times when enthusiasm and exuberance ran high. I remember the Opera Ball at the Statler Hotel in November when so many of us met for the first time and became fast friends. From that time on the achievements of the Guild have been notable. Before each opera every member receives a chatty, four-page newsletter, ALLEGRO, which features the libretto, the cast, contributions to the Scholarship Fund, new members, and social activities accompanied often by photos. Our AUDITIONS program was begun by Robert E. Smith. Four prizes, The Frank Pandolfi, Edrie van Dore, Sue M. Wiesen, and Robert E. Smith, of $500 each and the Connecticut Opera Guild prize of $1,000 are awarded each year. This history of the Connecticut Opera Guild was written by Micki Savin when the Guild was twenty eight years old. Twenty two years later, we’re adding a chapter to this organization’s exciting history. An important event to be added was the establishment of the Connecticut Opera Guild Puppet Theatre in 1962, by the Guild's Education Chairperson and future President, Jeanne Grandahl. For many years the puppeteers—all Guild members—brought Opera productions to schools all over Connecticut. The puppets provided drama and music which enthralled the children. When "Opera Express" came to the Connecticut Opera in 1976, the puppets were retired. As we enter our fifty-fourth season, the Guild's threefold mission remains the same. The "Allegro" is still sent to all our members and Opera subscribers and is written and edited by Dan and Ruthanne Sullivan. The auditions program has grown from 4 awards in 1982 to twelve awards this past year and now totals over $18,000 in prize money. Fund raising for the benefit of the Connecticut Opera continues to be a large part of our mission and we are always looking for new and interesting ways to help support the Opera. Over the years the Guild has donated substantial amounts to the Opera. Life has changed since the Guild was formed. With more women in the workplace, dynamic volunteer workers have become corporate executives with demanding jobs and family commitments. What hasn't changed is the love of the Opera; the need to support and cherish it; and the core members of the Guild who continue to work to fulfill the Guild's mission. We're looking forward to this season and the seasons to come. We invite you to join us in helping to assure Connecticut Opera's continued success.
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