Opera Santa Barbara announced a special bequest and a new grant.

First up, the organization revealed a new program funded by Philanthropists Sarah and Roger Chrisman. The “Chrisman Emerging Artists Fund” will replace the Studio Artists program, which finances the advancement of the careers of alumni of that program and other young artists through principal roles in mainstage operas.

Additionally, the cast of “The Marriage of Figaro” will feature alumni of the Chrisman Studio program and young artists, including Colin Ramsey, Sunwoo Park, Jennifer Lindsay, Olivia Barker, Max Potter, Christina Pezzarossi, Matthew Peterson, Byron Mayes, E. Scott Levin, Mandred Anaya, and William Grundler. Kostis Protopapas directs the production.

“In the post-pandemic era, the most urgent priority in supporting young artists is to provide them with those coveted next-level opportunities,” said OSB Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas in an official press statement. “We have so many amazing artists living here in California who have gone through our Chrisman Studio and similar programs at other companies. Thanks to Sarah and Roger’s generosity and vision, we are able to continue to invest in them and watch them grow.”

The company also revealed that it has received a bequest in support of the “Figaro” production from the estate of Mary Calfas.