Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, Co-Artistic Directors of Opera Atelier, Executive Director Alexandra Skoczylas, and the Board of Directors have announced “Campaign for Creation: Opera Atelier’s Fund for Our Future.”

Opera Atelier’s first major capital campaign officially launched with the single largest individual gift in the company’s 30-year history, totaling $500,000 from longtime patron Vivian Elizabeth Pilar. Opera Atelier’s goal for the campaign is to raise $10 million by December 2024.

The “Campaign for Creation” will directly support Pynkoski and Lajeunesse Zingg’s long-term goals and vision for the company. They hope to create new historically informed productions such as Handel’s “Julius Caesar,” Massenet’s “Werther,” and Grétry’s “Richard Coeur-de-Lion.” They also hope to refurbish and expand iconic Opera Atelier productions such as Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and “The Angel Speaks.”

“We are honored that Opera Atelier’s Campaign for Creation has been launched with an extraordinary lead gift from longtime patron, supporter, and friend of the company for more than 20 years, Vivian Elizabeth Pilar,” Pynkoski said in a press release. “This transformational gift was given because of a true passion for Opera Atelier, and reflects Vivian’s wish to assist in the creation of a lasting legacy that will ensure the company’s thriving future. We applaud her leadership and heartfelt commitment, and are confident her generosity will act as a catalyst for other donors to join this campaign, helping to secure Opera Atelier’s future at home and around the world.”

Pilar’s single largest individual gift to Opera Atelier has also sparked the creation of a named endowment fund entitled Vivian Elizabeth Pilar Fund (VEP Fund). The VEP Fund will support Opera Atelier and the Artists of Atelier Ballet, ensuring long-term financial stability while furthering a powerful legacy for the company.