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A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater Celebrates Grand Opening Gala The Fletcher Opera Theater opened to a capacity crowd. The A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater greeted its first audience on Thursday, February 22, with a performance by soprano Dawn Upshaw. Complete with a champagne reception the evening festively introduced the Triangle area to state-of-the-art acoustics and elegant construction in an intimate 600-seat setting. The capacity crowd was mesmerized by Upshaw's performance and the theater itself. Barbara Goodmon (center) joined Dr &. Mrs. Assad Meymandi at the gala. The other wing of the new center bears his mother's name: Meymandi Concert Hall. Floyd Fletcher (son of A.J. Fletcher), Margaret Fletcher (widow of A.J. Fletcher) & Jim Goodmon (grandson of A.J. Fletcher) settle into their box seats before the performance. Former director of the National Opera Company Don Wilder helped celebrate the opening. CBC's Whit Neville chats with the retired AJFF's Mary Beth Deaton before the show. Jim Goodmon, son Jimmy & wife Barbara greet Dr. Meymandi on the front steps of the new Theater. The A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater is part of the BTI Performing Arts Center. The Center also includes Memorial Auditorium & the new Meymandi Hall & Kennedy Theater. A plethora of guests from Capitol Broadcasting and the A.J. Fletcher Foundation sat in box seats and celebrated the opening of the theater baring the name of the man who made WRAL a household name. Fletcher's mission of bringing the opera to the people of North Carolina took on new meaning with this grand opening celebration. The icy night provided an elegant backdrop for the evening of opera. AJFF's Waltye Rasulala eagerly awaits Upshaw's performance. AJFF's Tom McGuire (right) contributed long hours to making the Theater a success. CBC's Whit Neville & John Brennan visit with the guests at the champage reception. CBC's Mike Hill & wife Melinda looked forward to attending the formal affair.