At the ceremony at the Pierre Hotel in New York, the magazine will honor conductor James Conlon, music director of the Ravinia Festival and music director designate of Los Angeles Opera; soprano R_gine Crespin; tenor Plšcido Domingo, general director of Washington Opera and Los Angeles Opera; mezzo-soprano Susan Graham; and mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick.

The awards "recognize distinguished contributions from leading figures in the world of opera."

"The five great artists who are our honorees have brought opera to millions of people all over the world and we felt is was high time to celebrate their extraordinary achievements," said editor-in-chief F. Paul Driscoll. "Our goal as a magazine has always been to bring the magic of opera to our readers, and these artists have communicated that magic brilliantly—all to the benefit of this art form."

All five of the honorees, as well as other figures from the opera and theater worlds, will attend the ceremony on November 20, according to Opera News. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, musical performances, and spoken tributes.

The Metropolitan Opera Guild was founded in 1935 by patrons of the Metropolitan Opera to support the company; the organization has published Opera News since 1936, and also carries out educational efforts, merchandising, and travel programs.