Cindy Kerr

Music can change the world because it changes people. If we value music and the people who make it, we must support it. I attended my first opera as a little girl. I knew my Mother loved opera and music, but did not know til many years later, that her mother, Virginia Byerly, was one of the bold women who founded the Pittsburgh Opera 80 + years ago. Decades later, I found my way back to a love and appreciation of this fascinating and changing art form. Pittsburgh Opera is one of the most alive and vibrant Opera companies in the country. They are committed to new works as well as classics. As one of the only opera companies having live performances, this season highlights jazz, social issues rock, and classic Mozart. For 34 years, Pittsburgh has helped more than 200 young artists hone their singing and launch successful careers. I have gotten to know several of them and seen them perform in New York, Santa Fe and Glimmerglass. How wonderful to know that Pittsburgh has had a role in their success. Thank you for joining me in generously supporting the programs and training for the 2020-21 Resident Artists. As we enable these talented artists, we inspire a new generation of opera.