Take Note
April - 2008
Season 53 Member of Opera Volunteers International Volume 4
From the President
Sandi Hodges
The glorious season of Spring has begun and with its showcase of colors comes evidence of new life -- beautiful flowers and the SUN!!
Renewal of Guild memberships is among our thoughts with assurance of more new members (close to fifty to date), Life memberships, couples, individuals, Divos and Divas. And, don’t forget Amici, the newly formed young peoples group of Opera afficianados.
The Guild of Tulsa Opera has recently given Tulsa Opera, Inc., a gift of $40,000.00. We are fortunate and happy to provide this gift to the Opera to aid its vision to our community. Thank you, Guild, for your continuing dedication.
The Oaks Country Club was the setting for a recent General Membership Meeting with BancFirst hosting a lovely luncheon for us. We are so appreciative of Christine Detrick and BancFirst’s hospitality.
At the meeting Sandy Stava was honored as The Guild of Tulsa Opera’s “Volunteer of the Year” for 2008. Congratulations, Sandy, for all your service and work in the Guild.
Special Occasions still has quite a few events ahead to celebrate and among the “biggies” is the Kentucky Derby Day Party set for May 3. Check your Special Occasions booklets for details. These events are a great way to support the Guild and to have fun!
The annual Membership Luncheon will be celebrated Friday, May 16, at the lovely home of Marilyn Strange. There will be special entertainment and Installation of New Officers for 2008-2009. Invitations will be mailed. Mark your calendars for this special event and bring your guests!
I look forward to seeing each of you at these functions and, of course, at “The Magic Flute!”
Sandi Hodges, President,
The Guild of Tulsa Opera
Sandy Stava “Volunteer of the Year”
Thank you for all your contributions and hard work for
The Guild of Tulsa Opera.
Sandi Hodges presenting Dixie Reppe, Interim General Director of Tulsa Opera
with a donation of $40,000 from The Guild of Tulsa Opera.
Lucy Rooney (left) with Carolyn Polston,
Event chairwoman.
BRINGING WELL DESERVED HONOR TO
LUCY ROONEY
The Guild of Tulsa Opera honored Lucy for her love and support during its recent Bravo 2008…..A Celebration of Lakme and the “Reaching the Heart of a Child” initiative gala at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place.
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THANK YOU, CAROL
Sixteen years ago Carol I. Crawford came to Tulsa as an "Easterner" to this Midwestern city and to a region known as having a high percentage of risk takers. My first meeting with Carol revealed these attributes easily, being an "Easterner" myself, which allowed for real communication between the President of The Guild of Tulsa Opera, and therefore, the liaison between it and Tulsa Opera's artistic leadership.
The Guild members quickly came to understand and grasp the vision she had for this company and embraced her completely with willingness to be of assistance. We wanted to give her a boost from the start. Also, she wanted to help The Guild become more effective and productive. I remember her coming to a Board meeting and telling us all, "You've got to get a computer!!" She was so right, of course. She cajoled us to raise more money for Tulsa Opera, putting higher and higher figures in their budget. Well, we found out that we could, going from $15,000.00 in l997 to $50,000.00 in 2007. Over the sixteen years we worked to help her cause, we had our thrills and spills together, and we all grew and Tulsa Opera grew. So...thank you!
Most of all, thank you for never giving up on your dream to show the world how good Tulsa Opera could be, and that the Midwest region of this country is not a cultural mirage but indeed a place where people should come to experience how real the fine arts are in Oklahoma and beyond.
Thank you for your devotion, tireless work into the nights, and sharing your heart with us all. We love you, appreciate you, and will never, ever forget you and your imprint in our sands.
With affection,
Orpha Harnish on behalf of The Guild of Tulsa Opera
“BRAVO” Indeed a “Critique of Excellence”
“BRAVO” fund-raising committee, Georgia Bischoff, Barbara Ellis, Carolyn Polston, (Chair) Aline Wisher, Loreta White, pictured above, in attendance to experience the rewards of their labor. Lucy Rooney was the “Honorary Chair” for the event. Other committee members contributing to the success of the event were Vaughndean Fuller, Elizabeth Geer, Orpha Harnish, Sandi Hodges, Rachael Hunsucker, Franklin Miller, Kay Miller, Lyndsey Morris, Gingi Reed, Sandy Stava, Marilyn Strange, Jacqueline Wilson, and Jean Roberts. There were 200-plus in attendance. “Included in the evening was an auction—both silent and live—which had people bidding on 160 or more items.” Net profit from the event was over $30,000. Many accolades to the volunteers of the Guild of Tulsa Opera, and the contributors for making this another exciting year! “BRAVO.”
MAGIC FLUTE COMING TO TULSA
Speaking of opera, we ought to put in a good word for the Tulsa's Opera's next production, Mozart's The Magic Flute.
Unlike Lakme, the current production that we did not know, The Magic Flute is an opera we know. In fact, The Magic Flute was our first opera, which we saw some years ago in Texas. It was a charming production, with sets designed by Maurice Sendak, the children's book author most famous for Where the Wild Things Are.
The Tulsa Opera's production of The Magic Flute will be presented April 26, May 2, and May 4.
Join the Guild of Tulsa Opera
A Night in Vienna
On February 25th fifty one members and friends of The Guild of Tulsa Opera gathered at Biga Italian Restaurant for an evening of gourmet food and wonderful wines provided by Chef Tuck Curren, and beautiful music provided by two of Tulsa Opera’s Studio Artists, Valerie Ogbonnaya and Eric Sampson, accompanied by Dr. Donald Armstrong, Artistic Administrator and Director of the Studio Artist Program for Tulsa Opera. Jeff Atkinson, of Atkinson Music Company, generously provided a piano for this very special occasion. Jeff has made this donation to The Guild before, and we want to extend our appreciation to him for his generosity! We hope you will remember Atkinson Music Company and call them at 918-747-7529 when you need your piano tuned!
A Special Invitation
From
The Spring Membership
Luncheon
In the home of
Marilyn Strange
9822 South Knoxville Avenue
Valet Service Provided
Friday, May 16, 2008
11:30 a.m.
Installation of Officers
RSVP - Lyndsey Morris 298-2049
Invitations will be mailed late in April
The Guild of Tulsa Opera is please to invite you to a festive…………………
Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 3, 2008,
2-6 p.m.
“Run for the Roses” – 5:00 p.m.
Oaks Country Club
Horseplay & Horsepower – Featured at Derby Day 2008
A festive Kentucky Derby will be a beautiful traditional occasion with some exciting new twists.
Yes, it will be a beautiful traditional occasion! Exquisite hats, mint juleps, sumptuous food, and a bon vivant attitude will prevail as people watch the “Run for the Roses” on two giant screen televisions. Be a part of elegant horse play!
Your beautiful or decorative hat could win you a prize. Although wearing a hat is not required, it is a lovely and fun tradition.
Tickets are $100.00 per person.
($40.00 Tax deductible)
Your admission includes two drink tickets, play money, and a great Derby Day Feast
Reservations by April 30th to:
Lyndsey Morris at 298-2049.
Limited seating
Make payment with credit card
Or
Mail your check to:
Lydnsey Morris
P.O. Box 7286
Jenks, OK 74037
Calendar of Events
Thursday, April 17, 2008
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
& OPERA INSIGHTS
Harwelden, 2210 S. Main
5:00 p.m. Meeting
5:30 p.m. Wine & Cheese
6:00 p.m. Opera Insights
Chairman, Docents
Program: The Magic Flute
Presenter: Dr. Donald Armstrong
Valet Parking provided
Saturday, April 26, 2008
SPECIAL OCCASION – Azalea Brunch
Thursday, May 1, 2008
BOARD MEETING
11:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
SPECIAL OCCASION – Kentucky Derby Party
Oaks Country Club
4101 W. 71st St.
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
SPECIAL OCCASION – Lunch with Peggy
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Docents Graduation – 11:30 a.m.
Friday, May 16, 2008
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
11:30 a.m.
Marilyn Strange, Hostess
9822 S. Knoxville Ave.
Chairman: President’s Advisory Council
Program: Membership Luncheon and
Officer Installation
Presenter: Sandi Hodges
Thursday, May 22, 2008
SPECIAL OCCASION – Lunch with Peggy
THE GUILD OF TULSA OPERA
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Lacy McCarty, Chairman
NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President......................................... Kay Miller
Vice President Education................ Virginia Ann (Ginny) Roberts
Vice President Development........... Carolyn Polston
Vice President Administration.........Ann Farris
Vice President Membership............ Lyndsey Morris
VicePresident Hospitality................ Jeanne Hillman
Treasurer..................................... .. Franklin Miller
Recording Secretary........................ Beverly Barry
Director/Strategic Planning............. Rachael Hunsucker
Director/Nominating....................... Sandy Stava
Director/Parliamentarian................. Orpha Harnish
EDUCATION
Ginny Roberts
Docents has had a productive year studying Opera with Marilyn Strange at her home.
Their final class meeting will be Tuesday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m.
You won’t want to miss the last Opera Insights of the 2007-2008 Season, Thursday, April 17.
The Magic Flute will be expertly presented by Dr. Don Armstrong, our guest speaker. What a great job he always does!
The Docents will add to the hospitality by providing a lovely buffet for all to enjoy.
So please join us for a relaxing and informative evening.
Wine & Buffet 5:30 p.m.
Program 6:00 p.m.
Harwelden Mansion
2121 S. Main
This was Mozart’s last opera. It was produced at Vienna on September 30, 1791, and on December 5 the master passed away. He wrote it to oblige his old friend Schickaneder, the theatre manager, who prepared the libretto, and who requited the favor by selling the score to other managers, contrary to a promise made to the composer. The text is disjointed, and full of improbabilities and absurdities. Yet it is undeniably adapted for the stage. Goethe, who admitted its inanities, and himself contemplated a continuation of the libretto, declared that "the author had the most perfect knowledge of the art of contrast and a wonderful knack of introducing stage effects."
It was at first founded on a fable by Wieland, but had to be altered when the same plot appeared in a rival contemporary play. Moreover, it was arranged to display some of the manager’s old stage properties. Under these conditions it could hardly be expected that "The Magic Flute" would attain the high level of the two Da Ponte plays. Another consideration which should be noticed has militated against its continued popularity. The signs of Free-masonry in the libretto are not much observed now, but they demand attention for the proper understanding of the work. In 1791 the Emperor Leopold had opposed the Freemasons, so that the public followed allusions to that craft which have now lost their special point and meaning. Ferdinand David said that no one who was not a Freemason could thoroughly appreciate the opera; and he instanced the grand chords played by the trombones at the end of the first part of the Overture and in the first scene in the Second Act: "a symbol which no Freemason could possibly fail to understand." Mozart himself was a Freemason and so was his librettist.
The story is based on circumstances connected with the mysterious worship of Isis, the deity of the ancient Egyptians. Its action is consequent upon Sarastro, the high priest of the Temple of Isis, having borne away Pamina, the daughter of Astrifiammante, the wicked Queen of Night, from her mother in order that she may be trained in the ways of virtue and wisdom. Tamino, a handsome Egyptian prince is saved from a monstrous serpent by the Queen’s servants. They show him a portrait of Pamina, and he falls in love with the unknown original. He is told the story of her having been stolen by Sarastro, and he vows to rescue her.
Before starting he is presented with a magic flute, by which he is enabled to give alarm and invoke assistance in cases of peril; while Papageno, the silly bird-catcher, who accompanies him, is furnished with certain musical instruments which, when played, transform anger into mirth and provoke a desire for dancing. Developments need not to be detailed. It is only necessary to say that Tamino, instead of bringing back Pamina, becomes a noviate in the Temple; meets Pamina there; goes through, like her, a severe testing probation; is ultimately proved worthy, and marries Pamina, while his companion, Papageno, also finds a mate.
"The Magic Flute," like its predecessors, is true to nature from the first note to the last, and the hand of the master is as clearly discernible in the tinkle of Papageno’s glockenspiel as in the grandest contrapuntal triumph of the last finale. Objection has sometimes been taken to the florid passages of the Queen of Night’s aria, "Gli angui d’inferno," as being opposed to sense and good taste. A French critic is probably right, however, in his opinion that Mozart did not write these passages for mere display, but that he had a dramatic intention, namely by them, and especially by the high notes, to give to the Queen une intensite fantastique. Beethoven is said to have considered this Mozart’s greatest opera, because in it were to be found nearly every species of music from the lied to the chorale and fugue.
The opera was such a success after its first production in September 1791, that by October 12, 1795, it had been performed no fewer than two hundred times. It was first staged in Paris, where it has recently been revived in 1801, and in London in 1811. Though it was given by the students of the Royal College of Music, under the direction of Sir Charles Stanford, at the Lyceum in 1899, there has been no public performance in London since 1892 -- at the Olympic Theatre, under Lago’s management. The neglect is no doubt due in a measure to the causes already suggested; but more particularly perhaps to the fact that special singers are required for the Queen of Night and Sarastro arias. Mme. Tetrazzini is probably the only living artist who could do full vocal justice to the role of the Queen.
HOSPITALITY – Jeanne Hillman – Vice President
WANTED!
Opera Guild enthusiasts who would like to rub elbows and socialize with Tulsa Opera artists.
Opportunities include:
~ Picking up and returning artists from the airport and acting as their host/hostess, joining them for the get-acquainted Artists & Staff Luncheon shortly after they arrive,
~ Joining them for the Artists Notes Dinner before the final rehearsal,
~ tickets to the Invited Dress Rehearsal, making your opera going experience much more meaningful and memorable.
~ You get to bring one of your favorite dishes for the luncheon and dinner to share. If you’re not a cook, you can bring rolls, beverages, wine, beer or decorations.
To Apply: Join the Artist Hospitality Committee next year. If you have any questions, please contact me at 295-7881 or jwiseley@gmail.com.
ALSO WANTED FOR ARTISTS HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE!
An imaginative, artistic (or willing) soul to replace the irreplaceable Marilyn Strange as the Decorations Chairman for the above-mentioned Luncheon and Dinner. Marilyn, our multi-talented, learned, esteemed and benevolent opera devotee has decided to relinquish one of her many long-standing responsibilities – chairing the decorations. If you are interested or think you might be, please call me.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
A REVIEW
Spring is the usual time of the Guild year that we have an election of officers and directors for The Guild of Tulsa Opera. This review of this process is for the benefit of new members as well as any others who may be interested.
A Nominating Committee of five persons is comprised of the following members:
C An elected Chairman who is a Director on the Board
C The immediate Past President
C One Board member appointed by the President from the Board.
C Two members elected from the general membership (non-Board members)
The Chairman announces in January that the committee will meet and asks for suggestions for candidates for consideration by the committee. The Chairman then calls the committee together to consider the candidates and subsequently contacts the nominees as agreed upon by the committee. These deliberations are privately held within the committee. A report, including the names of the committee members, is given to the Board of Directors in February, and then at the following general membership meeting.
It is usual for a Nominating Committee to submit only one nominee for each position, but is not required. The consent of all nominees is required.
The election is held at the time of the annual meeting in April. At this time further nominations may be made for any office or position following which the election takes place by plurality vote. Officers and Directors are elected and appointed for a one-year term.
Upon election, new officers and directors may proceed with committee formation and planning for the term for which they were elected.
The Chairman of the Nominating Committee can serve only one year successively. The file of the committee is not given to a succeeding committee but is destroyed. The installation of the new officers and directors is held in May at the membership meeting.
Orpha Harnish, Director/Parliamentarian