HISTORICAL RECOLLECTIONS ON THE FOUNDING OF IMPRESARIOS
By Carolyn Christy

Fran Luckoff, an active volunteer with Opera Columbus, decided to open her Bexley home to friends in the community. It was a warm, sunny afternoon when her guests arrived. She had scattered white linen bedecked tables across her lawn. She welcomed her guests and made certain they had a beverage before asking them to take a seat there in her garden to learn about Opera Columbus and what we could do to help this young arts group.
Michael Harrison, Director of Opera Columbus at this time, gave an enthusiastic talk and the guests talked about ways to support Opera Columbus. One way to assist which was identified as the establishment of a support group. Some of us agreed to meet again at Mike Gelpi’s home to discuss the formation of such a group. Fran’s efforts seem to be bearing fruit.

A few weeks later many of the same people gathered at Mike’s to figure out the framework for the co-ed group soon to be named the Impresarios of Opera Columbus. By-Laws were presented and approved before officers were nominated. Most of the people there agreed to do something for the nascent group. Mike’s mother, Eleanor Gelpi, was a very prominent community volunteer with a wealth of experience in creating community organizations and all of us felt fortunate that she agreed to be our founding president. I was excited to serve as Vice President because it was a wonderful opportunity to learn from a very experienced leader.

At the first meeting we even determined a first project–a “polo fundraiser” to be held in July at the polo field. Ann Birrer and Lauren took the lead in getting this project successfully accomplished. They did this despite Eleanor Gelpi becoming very ill. Eleanor did not recover and so shortly I discovered that I was president of the young support group.

The Impresarios Board was composed of committed people and it continued with fundraising projects supporting the opera as the directors and boards have changed. Opera Columbus has always been supportive of our efforts on its behalf. We not only did the polo parties, but tapas events, dances with silent auctions, and a party at the downtown car race. We have always been willing to try ways to raise funds for our opera.

In August 2023 Impresarios changed the name of the group to Friends of Opera Columbus.  The legacy of support for Opera Columbus continues as always.

THE PRESIDENTS OF FRIENDS OF OPERA COLUMBUS
Formerly known as the Impresarios

1985 Eleanor Gelpi
1985-1987 Carolyn Christy
1987-1989 Thomas O’Keefe
1989-1991 Lynn Elliott
1991-1992 Reed Dungan
1992-1994 Carolyn Christy
1994-1995 Antoinette Bloch
1995-1997 Jane Sheaffer
1997-1999 Seth Reichenbach
2000-2002 Marianne Mueller
2002-2005 Barry Liss
2005-2008 Andrew Oldenquist
2008-2011 Barry Liss
2011-2014 Miriam Utter
2014-2017 Larry Anderson
2017-2020 Barry Liss
2021 Miriam Utter
2022 Ruth Anderson
2023 Donna Cavell