HISTORY OF THE OPERA FOUNDATION

The Opera Foundation was originally launched in 1986 as the American Berlin Opera Foundation. The first scholarship program was established in 1986 with the Deutsche Oper Berlin, thanks to the late Professor Götz Friedrich. In 2008, a second scholarship program was established with Teatro Regio Torino, thanks to Maestro Gianandrea Noseda and the generous support of Amber Capital. In 2012, the Foundation announced a 3rd scholarship program with the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, a 4th collaboration with the Dutch National Opera in 2020 and a 5th collaboration with Teatro Real in Madrid. The Foundation has awarded more than 80 scholarships since inception, including study grants for voice coaching and linguistic purposes. The Opera Foundation is proud in the fact that many of its young artists have gone on to build long lasting careers in the operatic world beyond our programs. Over the years, the Foundation's supporters have expanded to include individuals and corporations from all over the world, drawing from the rich cultural and corporate diversity of New York City and its environment. In 2006, the Foundation changed its name to The Opera Foundation, in recognition of its more diverse contributor base and expanding scholarship activities throughout the world.