Don Wilder Lays Down the Baton and Retires
After more than 1,800 performances of 31 different operas, Don Wilder, the Artistic Director and Conductor of the National Opera Company, has retired. Don's retirement, July 31st, follows 30 years of service with the opera company, starting in 1963.

Don recalls traveling over the years with the troupe as far west as North Dakota, and throughout the south, from Florida to Texas. Under his direction, the opera company has performed in 36 states, and has educated hundreds of thousands of school children in North Carolina about opera, through the company's performances in schools.

The A.J. Fletcher Foundation is sending Don on a retirement trip to the Wexford, Ireland Opera Festival in October. Everyone at the Fletcher Foundation and CBC sends best wishes to Don Wilder in his retirement.