About
The Junior Committee of the New Orleans Opera is an association of young women who support the local arts community. Members include opera aficionados and newcomers alike.
Current Co-Chair Summer Duperon first joined the Junior Committee to make connections with other women in New Orleans and to support the arts. Her fellow Co-Chair, Torry Dean, studied music in college and was more familiar with the artistic aspects of opera performances. “We are a relatively small group that many women enjoy, but many don't know exists,” Duperon says.
Duperon and Dean are actively seeking new members – from all backgrounds – to help them support the arts in New Orleans.
Events
The Junior Committee hosts several events during the year to raise funds for the New Orleans Opera Association. These upcoming events include:
• Summer Party (August 16): Mixer to celebrate Southern style
• Masquerade (October 17): Costume party with opera flair
• Hansel & Gretel Children's Opera (December 20): Opera event for kids
• Mardi Gras Fête (February 7, 2016): Casual celebration before Bacchus
• Paddy Party (March 12, 2016): Party prior to Irish Channel Parade
• Spring Children's Party (March 20, 2016): Celebration with opera and egg hunt
These six fundraisers typically cost $10-$75 per event, and along with sponsorships, they help in the Committee’s goal of donating $10,000 to the Opera Association each year.
Perks
Duperon credits the Junior Committee with helping her to learn more about the opera, as well as the fundamentals of running fundraising events. She also notes that this is an accessible organization for young women.
By volunteering for certain events, Junior Committee members can even earn comp tickets to the performances. Furthermore, the New Orleans Opera offers numerous educational opportunities and lectures. With all of these resources at their disposal, interested Junior Committee members will know La Traviata from Il Trovatore in no time.
For the upcoming year, the Junior Committee will also incorporate more social events outside of the opera – such as yoga classes and movie nights – for members to network and make connections.
“We want members to have a good time,” Duperon says.
Goals
The Junior Committee is focused on increasing membership this year. Her team promotes the Junior Committee as an easy way to support the local arts community.
How to Join
Interested young women may join the Junior Committee online, and yearly membership dues are $30. The Junior Committee is aimed at ladies from 21 to 40, and members may then “graduate” to the Women’s Guild.
For More Information and to purchase tickets for upcoming events, NewOrleansOpera.org/get-involved/junior-committee; email juniors@neworleansopera.org; visit them at facebook.com/nooajuniors; and follow them on Twitter @NooaJuniors.
