Opera International is a signature program of OCAW. It was founded in 1994 by Muriel (Mimi) Hom, longstanding member of the Maryland Chapter and OCAW National Vice President for Programs. Mimi is Producer-Director of the company, a successful, DC-based opera company which produced operas, vocal galas, and concerts for over 30 years, and from which the community receives much joy.
History
Mimi has been involved with music her entire life. She was a child prodigy on the piano, has taught piano lessons for multiple decades, has been a piano accompanist to instrumentalists and vocalists for many years, is a vocal coach, and is the pianist and Director of Music at a Maryland church. Earlier in her career, she performed in Germany, Austria, Mexico, Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China, and the U.S., and appeared on two PBS Television concerts. She still performs in the U.S. However, it was while working with singers that she noticed that many international performers were being critically acclaimed and receiving worldwide attention, but this was not occurring with Chinese artists. She set out to rectify this situation and create a platform for them, enlisting the aid of friends who had the financial resources to assist her in her endeavors. Madeline Li Leong Way and Dr. Edward Leong Way of the Li Foundation supported her initial efforts. With the backing of OCAW, Mimi organized and produced four concerts at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., from 1989 through 1993. They were extremely successful, receiving excellent reviews in The Washington Post and other media. Buoyed by this success, she launched Opera International in 1994, with the goal of promoting Chinese and other international singers, in addition to U.S. performers.
Mission
With its formation, the goals of the opera company were: 1. to encourage and inspire in young people an appreciation of opera; 2. to train and prepare aspiring vocalists of all nationalities for operatic careers; and 3. to offer world-class opera at affordable prices. These aims have been overwhelmingly met in the decades that Opera International has been in existence. Many performers featured in the company’s productions have gone on to have successful careers, including performing with leading opera companies such as the New York Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, and others. Opera International’s influence on children likewise has been significant. In addition to young people attending the productions with their parents and being exposed to fine classical music at an early age, others were given opportunities to be involved in the productions themselves. In “La Boheme,” for example, two dozen youngsters were given the chance to sing in the children’s chorus. In other productions, young talented singers in solo roles launched their future careers.
Volunteers and Donors
In addition to professionals who have been monetarily compensated (performers, orchestra members, stage crew members, etc.), numerous volunteers have contributed to the success of the company over the years. In addition to Mimi Hom’s efforts, Mei-jong C. Hung was Co-Producer. June Tong, Administrative Director; Hongfa Chu, Director of Operations; and others poured countless hours of effort into each production. A number of generous individuals lent their beautiful homes to host fundraisers for the company’s operas and concerts. Sandy Clement founded and chaired the Opera International Guild and organized and coordinated many imaginative events to benefit the company’s funds. “Golf, Salmon, and Whiskey” and an elegant afternoon at the expansive Virginia estate of renowned American sculptor Frederick Hart were two such events. With her hard work, she reached her Millennium goal of $100,000. Countless other volunteers gave of their time and effort in numerous ways, and thousands of audience members supported the performances by buying tickets. Opera International appreciates the generous donations of hundreds of supporters over the years, but it is particularly indebted to the following notable benefactors: The Li Foundation, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Herman Lissner Foundation, and The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation. Other significant contributors have been Pauline Tsui and the Dr. and Mrs. John Y. Woo Memorial Fund, the Han Wang Memorial Fund, the Ruth H. Kuo and Rhoda How Memorial Foundation, the Montgomery County Community Foundation, Dr. Adson I. Chuang, Muriel Hom, Betty Jean Wen, David and Teresa Ma, Esther C. Wy, and Amy C. Lee.
Operas and Concerts
OCAW and Opera International have created the following productions:
1989 Vocal Gala, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1991 Vocal and Instrumental concert, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1992 Vocal Gala, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1993 Vocal and Instrumental concert, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1994 Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)
1995 Cosi fan tutte
1996 La Boheme
1997 Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly)
1998 Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)
1999 “The 3 Bass Baritones” concert
Tosca
2000 Il tabarro and Gianni Schicchi
2001 Falstaff
2002 L’Ormindo
2003 Tenth Anniversary Gala featuring scenes from Le nozze di Figaro, Otello, and Rigoletto
2004 Dialogues of the Carmelites
2005 Operatic Vocal Gala, The Music Center at Strathmore
2006 Operatic Vocal Gala, The Music Center at Strathmore
2007 Operatic Vocal Gala, The Music Center at Strathmore
2008 Operatic Vocal Gala, The Music Center at Strathmore
2009 Operatic Vocal Gala, The Music Center at Strathmore
2010 La traviata
2011 La traviata (encore performance)
2012 Lucia di Lammermoor
2014 Operatic Vocal Gala, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2015 Benefit Concert for the Wounded Warrior Project, with Hermon Presbyterian Church
2017 Concert to benefit Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief efforts, with Hermon Presbyterian
Church and Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation
2019 Gala Benefit Concert for the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan
Washington
These productions have garnered excellent reviews in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, Opera News (Metropolitan Opera Guild publication), and numerous regional and local newspapers.
Update
Opera International’s last activity was sponsoring the entertainment for the Saturday night dinner for
OCAW National’s 45th Anniversary Celebration held in the D.C. Metro area in October 2022. Mimi,
recently turned 98, has finally retired.
There currently is a small amount of funds remaining in the Opera International account. Initial plans are underway to start the process of disbursing these funds. Thank you supporters and donors.
American Red Cross an amazing organization. From the American Red Cross
“June 6, 2025
On behalf of the American Red Cross, thank you for your generous gift on June 3, 2025, which will be applied to Where It Is Needed Most. Support from organizations like yours is truly making an impact in the lives of those we serve every day.
During their darkest hours, people know they can turn to the Red Cross for comfort and care. Our humanitarian mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies depends on the compassion of our generous donors.
I am deeply grateful for your commitment to the lifesaving work of the Red Cross. Thank you once again for standing with us to help turn heartbreak into hope.
Sincerely,
Cliff Holtz
President and CEO, American Red Cross”
From The Institute for Human Services, Honolulu, Hawaii
“June 20, 2025
Mahalo for the generous gift from the Organization of Chinese American Women received on 6/13/2025.
Every night on Oahu, thousands of individuals are without a home. Thanks to your generosity and compassion, they don’t have to struggle alone. Your support ensures that emergency shelter, a warm meal, health services, and support services are always within reach. Once inside the safety and stability of shelter, guests can breathe easier and start planning for a future beyond tomorrow.
Every year, support from caring people like you allows thousands of individuals to receive a warm meal, a safe space, medical care, or job training for those who found themselves in need.
Thank you again for your generosity and the futures you make possible.
Warmest mahalo,
Steven Tseu
Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations”
From the Feiyang Dance Team, New Orleans, Louisiana
“July 12, 2025
Subject: Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Generous Support
Dear Opera International Fund Team,
On behalf of the Feiyang Dance Team, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the generous donation entrusted to us through the Organization of Chinese American Women. We are truly honored to receive this recognition from the Opera International Fund for our efforts in promoting Chinese culture and enriching community life through dance.
Your support not only affirms the value of our work but also empowers us to continue sharing the beauty of Chinese traditions with diverse audiences. This contribution will greatly assist us in sustaining our performances, and outreach programs, allowing us to inspire even more people through the art of dance.
Once again, we sincerely appreciate your kindness and belief in our mission. Please extend our thanks to everyone involved in this decision. We hope to make you proud by continuing to serve as cultural ambassadors and fostering cross-cultural connections in our community.
With warm regards,
Yong Yi
Captain of the Feiyang Dance Team”
From the New Orleans Skylark Performance Troupe, New Orleans, Louisiana
“July 13, 2025
To the Officers and Members of the Opera International Fund, OCAW National Organization:
Dear Opera International Fund Team,
On behalf of the New Orleans Skylark Performance Troupe, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous grant. We are truly honored to receive this recognition and support from the OCAW National Organization.
This grant not only affirms our mission to promote cultural awareness through music, dance, fashion show, and performance but also encourages us to continue bringing joy, connection, and cultural pride to our communities. Your support fuels our commitment to sharing the richness of Chinese heritage and fostering intercultural understanding across generations.
We are proud to be part of the OCAW community and deeply appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us. With your support, we will continue to reach more audiences, inspire new performers, and uplift our community through the power of cultural expression.
Thank you again for this meaningful recognition.
With sincere appreciation,
Lily Yang and Lily Wu Representatives, New Orleans Skylark Performance Troupe”
New Donation: Silicon Valley Chapter
The OCAW Silicon Valley Chapter has worked tirelessly for many years to support the Alzheimer’s Association in many ways, assisting at events organized by the Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter, co-sponsoring important presentations, hosting meaningful educational seminars, and producing charity dance events. Very importantly, a Silicon Valley Chapter team has walked every year in the annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” for the past decade, raising thousands of dollars to benefit the organization.
Mimi Hom, Opera International Founder-Producer-Director, witnessed how the organization’s crucial work benefited her fellow residents in her own senior home, and she felt it meaningful to donate Opera International funds to this worthy organization.
Thus, a donation was recently made to the Silicon Valley Chapter’s “Walk” team for this year. They will be joining countless others in the upcoming Silicon Valley Walk on Saturday, October 11.
OCAW Silicon Valley Chapter’s 2024 “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” team Carol Yuan, SVC’s Secretary and a former President, has been the leader of the chapter’s efforts to support the Alzheimer’s Association. She confirmed receipt of OCAW and Opera International’s letter of recognition and donation check, and wrote:
“Thank you for your kind support and recognizing our efforts in the fight of Alzheimer’s disease.”
She sent our letter of recognition to all of the SVC officers “to enjoy and be inspired like I’ve been since reading it,” and she plans to share it with all of the members.
She also expressed, “Mimi was so kind and generous in supporting our efforts. Her warmth and generosity will always be remembered.”
“Thank you again for your kind support!”
Plans are in development for contributions to benefit the communities of the DC metro area chapters (Maryland and Virginia) later this year.
The first Muriel Hom Music Grant was awarded in July to a young musician in Maryland. She has trained on the violin, but is currently pursuing voice lessons with a renowned teacher who has told us that she has an exceptional voice. Her essay was beautifully written, expressing her love of music and how it is giving meaning to her life, and we were happy to assist her financially with her studies.
Muriel Hom Music Grants
Grants of $500 are available, and it is hoped that talented instrumentalists and vocalists who could benefit from some additional funds to further their studies and activities, will apply.
The grant application form has been sent to each chapter president. If any OCAW member knows of an individual who is serious about pursuing their music studies and might be able to use some financial assistance, please either contact your chapter president, or send an email to me: devinefive@comcast.net, and we will be more than happy to email you an application which you can then forward to your musician.