Highlights for Opera

• Excavation for WRAL Opera Auditorium

  Work underway for constrcution of auditorium dedicated to opera performances. Photo taken June 18, 1965.

• Auditorum excavation at WRAL-TV

  Early excavation at WRAL-TV to add opera auditorium in June 1965

• National Opera Showcase

  WRAL-TV News Director Sam Beard introduces the program and CEO and Founder of Capitol Broadcasting Company AJ Fletcher explains the purpose of the National Opera Company.
  Fletcher believed that opera belonged to everyone and wanted the performances in English so everyone could appreciate the entire presentation.

  The National Opera Company provided opportunities for singers/performers to further their professional careers.
  In 1965, the National Opera Company gave 55 performances in NC and other Southeastern states.

• Children enjoying opera

  School children enjoy the Grass Roots Opera performance on October 1, 1951

• Grass Roots Opera performance

  The opera company founded by AJ Fletcher performs at a NC school. Mr. Fletcher is in the cast, 3rd from the left.