Philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler donated $3.3 million to the Austin Opera.

The donation aims to support programming in Spanish and the new appointment of Claudia Chapa as the inaugural curator of Hispanic and Latinx programming for the Austin Opera.

“I am honored to be part of this forward-thinking initiative and grateful that Annie Burridge has integrated me into the amazing Austin Opera team. It’s been an exciting learning curve since being
appointed Artistic Curator for Conciertos en el Consulado last year,” Chapa a renowned mezzo-soprano who has performed with Austin Opera in such works as “The Magic Flute,” “The Flying Dutchman,” and “Ariadne auf Naxos,” said in an official statement. “I’ve known the Butlers since moving to Austin back in 2005 to study at the Butler School of Music. They have been incredibly supportive of my performance career and to have their generous backing for this initiative of celebrating and telling new kinds of stories is inspiring. Opera is for everyone, and we reflect that on our stages.”

“This extraordinary act of philanthropy by Sarah and Ernest Butler will help ensure that our arts programming reflects the city we serve for years to come, and Claudia has proven that she is not only an exceptional and talented artist, but a producer as well. talented and that’s why we’re proud to welcome her,” said Annie Burridge, CEO and CEO of Austin Opera, in an official statement. “Austin Opera, with its hundreds of classrooms in Central Texas, will nurture the next generation of opera audiences through its award-winning educational programs, and Dr. Ernest and Sarah Butler are generous visionaries with a deep understanding of the importance of the arts and vitality for a community.”