Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for the outpouring of support from across the Seattle Opera Guild (SOG) membership to bring us out from the depths of the pandemic. In particular, the interim Board of Directors: Stuart Sechrest, Emily Bennett, Gayle Charlesworth, Frank Gregory, Jonathan Gerson, Zoe Erickson, Patricia Derrig Pavia, Stew Law, and Brenna Pink Pampena joined me to begin our climb up the mountain last January.
We listened to membership sentiment, both vocally and via recent surveys, regarding top priorities. Clearly there were two areas to focus our strategy, volunteers and financial resources on: in-home opera preview parties, and Singer Development Auditions. In April we had our highly successful first post-pandemic in-home preview for La Traviata. Invitations were online only and we exceeded our attendance estimate. During that event, we held our first live donor ask. We again exceeded our estimate and raised enough funds to cover the prizes for our successful Singer Development Auditions held June 27!
July 1, 2023 began our 2023–2024 Seattle Opera Guild 67th fiscal year. We are grounded with board governance, strategy, financial stability, and working committees: Finance, Website, Education, Membership, and Special Events. Our committees will continue meeting throughout this summer.
Surveys and leadership feedback indicate we need to go back to basics: continue to offer in-home preview parties to support young opera artists, and showcase our unique Singer Development Auditions. To accomplish this, we will be evolving and modernizing our website while maintaining member privacy, and freshening our membership benefits. We want to be known for our go-to fun events that pay artists a wage so fair that they will turn down other opportunities to perform for SOG!
It’s my honor to serve you, our membership! Our 2023-2024 Board of Directors: Stuart Sechrest, Judi Kalitzki, Brenna Pink Pampena, Jonathan Gerson, Zoe Erickson, Patricia Derrig Pavia, and Stew Law, will meet in early September for an all-day retreat to solidify our SOG 2023–2024 strategy and calendar with all activities and events. Watch for dates. Our Handel’s Alcina themed in-home preview party is already scheduled for Saturday, October 7. Save that date. It will be one you will not want to miss!
When you are called upon to volunteer, please say “Yes,” where your talents meet a need!
—Marilyn Leck