WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Community Foundation announced that Opera in Williamsburg is the latest recipient of a surprise grant.
The surprise grants are part of the Williamsburg Community Foundation’s (WCF) 25th Anniversary Campaign to grow its Community Endowment, which demonstrates the power of collective philanthropy.
This grant, selected by Brenda Mitchell, arrives just as the Opera celebrates its fall 2024 season, continuing its tradition of bringing world-class performances to the local community, WCF said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Brenda for choosing us for this generous grant,” said Naama Zahavi-Ely, Artistic and General Director of Opera in Williamsburg. “The arts are essential to a thriving community. Generous grants like this help keep ticket prices accessible while funding the significant costs of staging even smaller-scale opera productions.”
Opera in Williamsburg kicked off its season in September with a performance of “Lucia di Lammermoor,” performed in Italian with English subtitles. WCF said this fully staged production not only captivated audiences but also opened its doors to K-12 students who attended the dress rehearsal as part of the opera’s ongoing commitment to arts education.
Looking ahead, the Opera is preparing for its next event: a special performance of Jewish Art Songs at the Williamsburg Regional Library on Nov. 13, at 6:30 pm.
This unique concert will feature songs in their original languages, with projected translations. Tickets are available now on the Opera’s website.
Opera in Williamsburg’s 2025 season includes performances of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” scheduled for May 23, 25, and 27, and Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice” in November.
Both productions will be performed in Italian, furthering the company’s dedication to presenting opera as it was originally intended, WCF noted.
Many donors contribute to the Community Endowment, allowing the foundation’s distribution committee to award competitive grants twice a year, it said, including those that support arts and culture.
“Funding for arts and culture is essential to the fabric of Williamsburg, and the Foundation’s commitment to the arts helps organizations like Opera in Williamsburg enrich the community by offering world-class performances and educational opportunities,” WCF said in a press release.
For more information about the Community Foundation and how to contribute to its 25th Anniversary Campaign, visit williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org or contact 757-259-1660.
