The Edward H. Benenson Foundation, Inc. will renew its $1 million gift to the Palm Beach Opera for the next five years, giving the company a major boost as it opens its 2018-19 season.

The gift was announced Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2019 as the company was engaging in its “A night of Rising Stars & Classic Melodies” concert that featured the Benenson Young Artists and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. The gift is intended to support the company’s Young Artist Program.

“We are deeply grateful to Gladys Benenson and The Edward H. Benenson Foundation, Inc. for their immense generosity and continued belief in supporting the next generation of opera artists,” General Director Daniel Biagg per a press release. “The Benenson Young Artist Program provides rising artists with the professional training they need to embark on successful careers, supporting new voices in opera and bolstering our beloved art ­form.”

The Benenson Young Artist program enlists its young artist in an intense five-month program that will allows them the opportunity to appear in mainstage productions in supporting roles. They are also able to cover leading roles and perform around the community. The program has over 600 applicants per season with only around 20 selected.

The company’s 2018-19 season will feature Verdi’s “La Traviata,” Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and Strauss Jr.’s “Die Fledermaus.