In 1972 a group of artists from the Annapolis Summer Garden Theater Youth Group got together and gave birth to the Annapolis Opera Company. Their search to cast the title role for Gian-Carlo Menotti’s The Medium led them to soprano Martha Wright, an active performer and producer, who turned down the role but instead agreed to produce the opera and more importantly for the future of Annapolis Opera, to take on leading the organization. This became the very first Annapolis Opera production and Martha Wright became its first President. For seven years the company used several performance spaces: the U.S. Naval Academy, St. John’s College, Annapolis High School and even the Hilton Hotel ballroom, which was the site of the first performance, before finding a permanent home in the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts as a founding resident company in 1979, a relationship that continues today. Annapolis Opera has benefited from the leadership of Artistic Director, Ron Gretz, and Stage Director, Braxton Peters, who have headed the artistic staff for many years, providing artistic continuity and integrity. The company has expanded into the community and provided educational programming for all ages including special operas for children and lectures on the art form to organizations and community groups. The Annual Vocal Competition, established in 1988, is a recognized stepping stone for young artists in the Mid-Atlantic region in their career development. Since its founding, forty-four years ago, sixteen Presidents have led the organization and carried Annapolis Opera to its current position. Members of the Board of Trustees have included several mayors of Annapolis, retired leaders of government and business, educators, retired opera singers…people from all walks of life who share a love of opera.
