Twin Cities Opera Guild has excelled at introducing students to opera and quality music since 1952. We are dedicated to cultivating music education and outreach, both in the schools and for the general public. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, we rely on our members and friends to help us fund our grants for music education.
A Message from the TCOG President, Colleen Nelson
We enjoyed a fabulous Starry, Starry Night-themed Candlelight Dinner during the evening of November 2, thanks to the Town & Country Club’s beautiful food and venue, the highly skilled and entertaining musical performers, and everyone who attended, brought their friends, pledged, participated in the silent auction, laughed, and applauded our stellar opera performers. I heard more laughter than I believe I’ve ever heard during Candlelight which was in large part due to our charming, funny, and entertaining emcee, Justin Spenner, baritone. The opera selections and performers were entertaining and so well done! All done in support of opera music education for the young.
The festive fall and holiday season continues with our December 4 “Members & Friends” event at The Woman’s Club in Minneapolis. (It’s a fun event and not a fundraiser.) All are welcome to join us to continue the kick-off to the holidays with beautiful music, food, and a welcoming atmosphere. You needn’t be a member to attend. You can learn more and register here: https://www.twincitiesoperaguild.org/events Please join us.
A national pioneer in opera education for children
How we make it happen
Our grants fund:
- Delightful musical productions in-school, staged and performed by students -- in both the cast and orchestra
- Interactive in-school student programs conducted by professional singers and musicians
- After-school music programs for children, including student choirs
- Special student matinees at operas produced by the Minnesota Opera
- Summer music programs for children
Coming events
Please join us for the following scheduled events and other events that will be added in 2025:
Members & Friends, February 12, 2025, Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville
Spring Benefit, May 20, Interlachen Country Club, Edina
Candlelight Dinner, October 21, Town & Country Club, St. Paul
Please check here frequently for additional events that are planned and will be added for 2025.
Impact
(over the past 5 years)
In the past five years our organization:
- Served a total of 96,890 children
- Served children from ages three through college
- Granted funds to an average of 25 organizations and schools each year
- Gave grants totaling $384,970
Grants that enrich our youth
School children are the principal beneficiaries of our funds. During the last past five years, we have funded programs bringing music education to more than 96,890 children, both in the seven-county metropolitan area and throughout the state of Minnesota, western Wisconsin and eastern North Dakota.
Twice each year (Fall and Winter), we review applications for new education grants.