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 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. In 2008, a second scholarship program was established with Teatro Regio Torino. In 2012, the Foundation announced a 3rd scholarship program with the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. In 2020, further collaborations were established with the Dutch National Opera and with Teatro Real in Madrid. In 2021 the Foundation announced the exciting partnership with the Opera Studio of the Wiener Staatsoper. The Opera Foundation has awarded more than 100 scholarships since inception, including study grants for voice coaching and linguistic purposes. The Opera Foundation is proud of 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.