Amarillo Opera was founded in April 1988 by Mila Gibson, Opera Workshop and Vocal Professor at Amarillo College from 1982-2000. The company’s first production, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, starred Gibson who also served as producer, director, costumer and publicist. The success of that initial production led to the incorporation of Amarillo Opera.  BRAVO, the Amarillo Opera membership support group, was established one year later with 75 charter members under the leadership of Founding President Dr. Bill Byrd.

Sandra Pelfrey is the guild president.