SEVEN REASONS WHY YOUR DONATION
IS SO VITAL FOR OPERA NORTH
AND THE UPPER VALLEY

I have always believed that opera is a planet
where the muses work together, join hands
and celebrate all the arts. — Franco Zeffirelli

From its inception in 1982, Opera North has focused on bringing opera to the Upper Connecticut River Valley, while supporting the art form of opera through the nurturing of talent. Its mission is to engage artists, audiences and the community in the experience of opera in an intimate setting. As Opera North heads into its twenty-ninth season of enlightening educational events and thrilling stage performances, it needs the support of generous patrons like you to continue its great work!

Opera is the most expensive performing art form to produce. The costs and complexity of combining a full orchestra, soloists, chorus, costumes, and stage set are enormous. Less than half of the funds needed to create wonderful performances on stage and in the community come from ticket revenues. Twenty-five percent of Opera North's income is contributed by individual donors, while the remaining funds are from grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, and board gifts.

SEVEN REASONS TO DONATE TO OPERA NORTH

1. ON is great live opera in the Upper Valley: Nationally-acclaimed soloists, outstanding young singers, a professional orchestra, accomplished stage directors, and technicians from across the United States gather in the Upper Valley for two months every summer. The high musical and theatrical quality of our productions, as well as our national recognition, attract all of these professionals. Critics and audiences alike acclaimed ON's 2010 operas as deeply moving experiences and extraordinary artistic performances.

2. ON focuses on Arts Education: Opera North believes that children and young adults alike benefit from their exposure to this great art form. Opera North brings live opera to elementary, junior high, and high schools throughout the region, with multi-media Sing-Me-A-Story presentations for younger audiences and special performances for older students. In fall 2010, Opera North presented a modern version of Gian-Carlo Menotti's The Telephone, sung in English, to over 600 high-school students and adults. The teen audience unreservedly enjoyed the music and plot and related to the ageless boyfriend-girlfriend issues and comedy of this piece.

3. ON is a unique treasure: There are approximately one hundred twenty professional opera companies in the United States. The vast majority of these organizations are based in major cities, supported by large populations, commerce, and wealth that make it possible to support this expensive art form. Your donation makes it possible for this beautiful area of the country to have an amazing level of culture often only available in major urban centers.

4. ON remains affordable: Despite the high cost of creating compelling cultural events, Opera North has maintained its commitment to present free performances during the year and the summer season. Tickets for children to our matinee performances cost only $5 and accompanying adults attend for only $20. In addition, our 2011 ticket prices will remain the same as the past three seasons. Less than fifty percent (50%) of Opera North's costs are covered by ticket sales. Your generous contribution makes opera affordable and available for everyone in the community.

5. ON develops major talent: Young tenor Jeff Gwaltney left Lebanon after the last performance of La bohème in August 2010 and was immediately accepted into, the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program; soprano Kara Shay Thomson started her career as an Opera North Young Artist in the 1996 performance of Puccini's Tosca and now is singing at major houses throughout the world; and international superstar baritone Nathan Gunn launched his operatic career at Opera North in 1991. These are just a few of the success stories of singers whom Opera North cultivated as Young Artists.

6. ON brings you "behind the curtain": Opera North invites audiences to learn about opera through free and low-cost lectures and outreach events, including its winter/spring Always ON Sunday lecture series, pre-Season lectures, and backstage tours that take patrons through the process of mounting a production. ON piques community interest by presenting events that showcase the many elements of opera, featuring the stories of the music (vocal and orchestral), staging, costumes, set design, composer, and pivotal roles.

7. ON strengthens the economy of the Upper Valley: By creating a travel destination locale, Opera North brings tourists to the region, as well performers and their families and guests, to enjoy the ON performances. The influx of visitors increases revenue for many the inns, restaurants, and shops of the Upper Valley. Of course, after experiencing the wonders that the region has to offer, these visitors return to their homes and expound the virtues of the Upper Valley. ON is a great economic stimulant and social ambassador for the Upper Valley!

It is only through the support of the community that Opera North continues its important and entertaining work. There are many giving levels and benefits from which you may choose:

Opera North has a Planned Giving Program for including Opera North in your estate planning. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Sandra Torget, Associate Director of Development & Transactional Affairs, at 603-448-4141, or via e-mail at development@operanorth.org.

In addition, Opera North can assist you or your company in creating Corporate Sponsorship Packages, with special access to artists, performance recognition, and behind-the-scenes production information.

Thank you for considering a donation to Opera North. It is only through the generous support of patrons like you that this cultural gem of the Upper Valley will bring extraordinary opera to the region for future generations to enjoy.