MS HC107

Commends and congratulates the Mississippi Opera Association, Inc. on its 70th anniversary in 2016, celebrating its founding as the Jackson Opera Guild in 1945 by Mignonne Caldwell.

Recognizes the organization as the ninth oldest continuously producing professional opera company in the United States and notes it was one of only 12 such organizations at its founding.

Notes the organization's reorganization in 1970 as the Mississippi Opera Association, Inc. with a state board of directors and its mission to promote opera enjoyment, study, and appreciation.

Acknowledges the anniversary celebration featuring a performance of Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" on November 21, 2016, recreating the Guild's first performance from November 27, 1945.

Directs copies of the resolution to be furnished to Mississippi Opera Board President Elbert Bivins and members of the Capitol Press Corps.