Austin Opera has announced that it has reached its goal for the first phase of its fundraising campaign to raise funds for its digital and live work.

Per a press statement, the company revealed that it had surpassed its $3 million Phase One goal and will be launching Phase Two, with the aim of bringing in another $4 million by the end of June 2023.

The company received major backing from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which had announced that the company would be one of 26 U.S. organizations (and the only opera company) to receive support as part of its Digital Accelerator Program. There were also major contributions by Polly Barbaro, Sarah and Ernest Butler, Judy and Patrick Cantilo, and Eva Womack.

In a press statement, Austin Opera General Director and CEO Annie Burridge said, “We are both grateful and excited to have passed this first major milestone in our three-phase Austin Opera Forward Campaign, which will support our continued growth in the areas of artistic excellence, community impact, and innovation. We are entering Phase Two of the campaign in a particularly strong position thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies, who has yet again recognized Austin Opera as a pioneer in opera and in the wider digital creative field.”

Phase One of the Austin Opera Forward Campaign launched in January 2021.