Pittsburgh Opera announces $1.2MM donation from Pat and Michele Atkins 

June 15, 2017  
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Pittsburgh Opera announced that it is receiving one of the largest gifts in its 78-year history - a $1.2MM contribution from Pittsburgh philanthropists Pat and Michele Atkins.

The gift, to be called The Pat and Michele Atkins Audience Development Fund, will be spread out over the course of four years.

Michele Atkins is an officer of Pittsburgh Opera’s Board of Directors. She and her husband Pat have long been staunch supporters and advocates for the organization. “We are thrilled to be in a position to make this gift to Pittsburgh Opera”, the couple said. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to the performing arts in the great city of Pittsburgh, and our confidence in Pittsburgh Opera. The quality and range of their productions is truly excellent, they make significant investments in the art form’s future through their first-rate Resident Artist Program, and their inventive education programs enrich students, schools, teachers and future audiences.”

Pittsburgh Opera Board Chair Michele Fabrizi, President Gene Welsh, and General Director Christopher Hahn added in a joint statement, “We are immensely grateful to Pat and Michele. They have been an important part of our family for years. For them to demonstrate this degree of faith in our organization and belief in our mission is tremendously gratifying, and sets a wonderful example for others in our community to follow.”