On March 11, 1936, the American Guild of Musical Artists was formally established. Born from a gathering of artists including Lawrence Tibbett, Jascha Heifetz, and Alma Gluck, AGMA emerged at a time when opera singers were routinely pushed into unfair contracts without benefits or protections. The Union was formed so artists could stand together and demand dignity, fairness, and a voice in their workplace.
Today, thousands of AGMA members continue their work across opera houses, dance companies, and concert stages throughout the United States, carrying on the effort begun by those artists in 1936. Their craft has endured wars, economic upheaval, and more than a few predictions of its demise. And despite the modern soundbite suggesting opera and ballet are “dying,” these art forms remain living, breathing, evolving expressions of the human experience.
Happy birthday, AGMA! Ten more to go until the centennial.