The Spring meeting of the AFoCG Board of Directors took place in London from May 6-9, 2016. During the visit, the Directors and guests sat in on part of a thrilling dress rehearsal for Lucia di Lammermoor, a performance of Tannhäuser including the extraordinary experience of watching an act from the wings, and a special performance of Liam Scarlett’s new ballet Frankenstein, a co-production with the San Francisco Ballet. A highlight of the trip was a Royal Opera House gala performance in the presence of the ROH Patron The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace. There the Directors saw extraordinary displays by the artistic companies and orchestra of the ROH that included Emma Bell’s interpretation of Elsa’s aria from Act I of Lohengrin by Wagner; Yuriy Yurchuk’s performance of Riccardo’s aria from Act I of I puritani by Bellini, and dance performances by Marianela Nuñez, Valeri Hristov and Edward Watson of Frederick Ashton’s Monotones to the music of Eric Satie. The London visit is becoming a much anticipated annual event, attended by the directors and friends. Should you wish to learn more about membership benefits including about how you might join future trips please contact Elizabeth Kogen at af@afocg.org.