Twenty-six members of the General Director’s Circle of the Michigan Opera Theatre are in town this weekend to sample the history and culture of Natchez.

The group has been in town since Thursday evening and will conclude its visit this morning with a cemetery walking tour.

While in Natchez, they have also attended several cultural events, including Natchez Opera Festival performances of &uot;The Man of La Mancha&uot; and &uot;La Traviata.&uot;

They have also enjoyed a recital at D’Evereux, toured the Gandy Collection of Natchez photos, toured antebellum houses, browsed antique shops, been guests at several receptions and dinners and even enjoyed side trips on their own, including one to Vicksburg.

Having one of their own members, Ron Switzer, serve as their guide to the official – and unofficial – sights of Natchez has made all the difference, members said over breakfast Saturday at the Eola Hotel. Switzer, co-owner of the house Belvedere, loved Natchez so much &uot;that he offered us a trip to come and experience it for ourselves,&uot; said Roberta Starkweather, who works in development for the Michigan Opera Theatre and was one of the Opera Guild’s founders.

Some said they would probably came back to the area to vacation on their own and see more of the sights they couldn’t fit into this trip.

And Jane Wesley, who also works in development, said that based on the success of this trip, the whole group might return in the future.

&uot;The people here are so friendly,&uot; said Wesley, who called Natchez an &uot;elegant&uot; town. &uot;You walk in and they act like they’ve known you forever.&uot;