About the Austin Lyric Opera Guild

Austin Lyric Opera was founded in 1986 by Artistic/Music Director Walter Ducloux and General Director Joseph McClain. Community leaders Alfred King, Board Chairman, and Gay Ratliff, President, created a strong board of trustees dedicated to developing a highly skilled and professional opera company that would round out the already burgeoning arts community in Austin.

That dedication was reinforced on June 11, 1986 at a Guild charter membership meeting hosted by UT Chancellor and Mrs. Hans Mark at the historic Bauer House. The meeting was attended by 400 opera enthusiasts who became members. Thus, the Austin Lyric Opera Guild, dedicated to supporting Austin Lyric Opera and its goals, was founded.

Year in and year out, the Guild is the largest contributor to Austin Lyric Opera. Last year, the Guild’s net fund-raising revenue was over $250,000. Our Opera Ball and Auction netted almost $192,000 and our Opening Night Dinners added sparkle to the opera-going experience while netting almost $30,000. The Guild’s Boutique gave audiences access to libretti, recordings and other opera-related merchandise. The Garden Festival showed impressive growth and attendance while significantly expanding ALO’s exposure in the community. We also entertained and educated our membership by introducing them to performing artists, set designers, conductors, directors and production staff.