$9 Million Bequest Has Atlanta Opera Singing Joyfully

The Atlanta Opera is presenting three productions with four performances this 2010-2011 season at the .

But if you don’t have tickets for tonight’s performance of Gershwin’s American classic Porgy and Bess, well, you’re out of luck. It’s sold out as are the final two performances scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

But there’s still a chance to see the company’s final opera of the season, Mozart’s romantic comedy Così fan tutte next month at Cobb Energy. Tickets are available here.

And if you’re a fan of opera in general, the news is more than good as The Atlanta Opera recently received a $9 million bequest from longtime board member Barbara D. Stewart who died last year.

At Stewart’s request, half of the bequest will be used to grow The Atlanta Opera’s permanent endowment, bringing that fund to $5.6 million. The remainder will be placed into endowment and reserves.

“Barbara’s gift is transformative,’’ remarked Atlanta Opera Board Chairman Greg Johnson. “It means that this company, which has survived its fair share of financial predicaments, is here to stay. There is no doubt that this gift will serve as a catalyst for all fundraising efforts going forward. This bequest is a phenomenal example of how one individual can make an enormous impact on an arts organization and on the community. We will be eternally grateful for this loving act by our friend Barbara.”

Fourteen months ago, The Atlanta Opera, in response to the current economic environment, announced that the 2010-2011 season would include only three opera productions, down from the four productions the company has presented since moving to the Cobb Energy Centre in 2007.

Stewart was elected to The Atlanta Opera’s Board of Directors in January 1994. During her tenure, she served as president, vice president and treasurer.

“There are hardly words to express the gratitude and appreciation we feel at this moment. This gift is truly humbling,” said Dennis Hanthorn, Zurich General Director of The Atlanta Opera. “As long as Barbara Stewart was associated with The Atlanta Opera, she was a tireless proponent of keeping opera alive in Atlanta. Her bequest will truly make a remarkable difference to this company. Barbara was an extraordinary woman. She leaves a magnificent legacy to this company.”