What’s in a name?
The mention of a Women’s Committee often conjures images of white-gloved, women of leisure who are socially active, gather over elegant lunches, speak in hushed tones, and carry on generations of tradition.
It is a little different at Washington National Opera. As the Women’s Committee of WNO celebrates its 37th year with an opening-night celebration for the company’s production of Werther on May 12, its 88 members remain energetic, vibrant, and forward thinking.
The leadership is a dynamic group of highly skilled professional women of all ages who continually search for ways to redefine this fierce group in ways that are most beneficial to WNO and really address the needs of the arts. They are friendly, outgoing, and welcoming. Each woman’s story is a little different. Some have been local residents for generations and have been Women’s Committee members for decades, while others are brand new to the community and have joined in the hope of making new friends. Some are opera experts who travel the world to see the latest artists and some will be attending this production of Werther as their first opera experience.
Over the years, the WNO Women’s Committee has helped promote WNO’s reputation for beautiful and exciting events that celebrate opera and its artists. Their work has helped raise the profile of the Opera as well as raise funds for the Opera’s bold artistic initiatives and community events.
This year’s opening night celebration for Werther is chaired by Melinda Keppler and Cindy “Cid” Szegedy. The event includes the opera performance followed by a reception and dancing with the artists on the Roof Terrace level of the Kennedy Center.
"I am honored to chair this event, and with a goal to support the amazing talent the WNO brings to Washington. It's also important to extend the Opera 'experience' to a younger audience and I'm hopeful that our event will do this." says opening night celebration chair, Cindy “Cid” Szegedy.
To learn more about the event, contact Cari Romeu at tel: 202.416.8305
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