OPERA MUSIC THEATER INTERNATIONAL
 
 
JAMES K. MCCULLY,  President  &  General Director

Opera Music Theater International is proud to be hosting the 43rd National Opera Association Convention at the Key Bridge Marriott overlooking our nation's capital in Washington, DC and the excitement of Georgetown, just eight minutes from Washington National Airport and two blocks from Washington's Metro System.

The 43rd National Opera Association Convention promises to be truly a memorable one, as opera and musical theater professionals from around the world convene in the renaissance city of Washington, DC, which has emerged as a world class city in terms of its cultural life, elegant urban planning and fine quality restaurants.

From its earliest days, Washington, DC has been seen as an international city, hosting a growing community of embassies and consulates. As an international capital, Washington, DC has a major cultural as well as diplomatic role to play on the world stage as we approach the new millennium.

The 43rd Annual National Opera Association Convention will play a unique role in this international and cultural renaissance by showcasing the best initiatives and ideas of opera and musical theater professionals from around the nation and other nations. Topics including: Inspiring Singer Training, Alternative Repertoire for the Training Program Structure, Integrating Technology with Opera and Musical Theater Education, Interactive Curriculum Development for Opera and Musical Theater, and much, much more.

The Washington Opera, under the direction of artistic director Placido Domingo, will be welcoming us at the Kennedy Center with world-class productions of Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE, Donizetti's L'ELISIR D'AMORE and Vives' DON FRANCISQUITA.

The Smithsonian Celebrates American Musicals with us with a dynamic peer panel of musical theater professionals hosted by Don Murphy of the National Theatre, Amy Henderson of the National Portrait Gallery and Dwight Blocker Bowers of the National Museum of American History.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts will be hosting a Symposium for Women in Opera and Musical Theater with peer panels composed of some the top luminaries in business, with timely issues for and about women sponsored by Opera Music Theater International.

The Metropolitan Opera soprano Shirley Verrett will be conducting a Vocal Master Class for Singers. A critically acclaimed international artist, Miss Verrett has appeared on the stages of all the major houses and her performances have been televised on Live from Lincoln Center, Live from the MET, and Great Performances.

The Metropolitan Opera artists George Shirley and Shirley Verrett will be hosting the Legacy Award Banquet honoring African Americans in Opera and Musical Theater. With spectacular performances by some of the finest up and coming African American artists.

The President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton has a special proclamation for the 43rd National Opera Association Conventioneers, with a Gala Ceremonial Opening provided by the President's Old Guard. In addition, Virginia Congressman Jim Moran has arranged for a special Congressional Tour of the White House.

With special presentations from OPERA America, the National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Opera, Baltimore Opera and Wolf Trap Opera. The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz will be greeting us at the Austrian Embassy, as well as, The Banff Centre for the Arts at the Canadian Embassy. And some very special guests you don't want to miss!

Remember to register early! And don't forget our Vocal Competition and other competitions held here in Washington, DC. Mark your calendars for 14-18 January and be prepared to hear some of the world's greatest singing, discuss some really fascinating topics, and experience the elegance and charm of our nation's capital.

From Our Nation's Capital,

James McCully,
Chairman 43rd National Opera Association Convention