Maecenas XLI Saturday, May 16, 2026 Carnegie Music Hall Foyer, Oakland
4400 Forbes Avenue
Event Sold Out!
Suggested dress is Golden Glamor - gold or white-inspired formal attire.
(Suggested dress is not mandatory; any formal attire is appropriate)
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, we will gather for Maecenas XLI, an evening of music, dinner, dancing, and community. But this year is especially meaningful: we’ll be honoring Christopher Hahn, whose remarkable vision and leadership have shaped Pittsburgh Opera for over two decades.
Emceed by KDKA host Daisy Jade, this night will be more than a gala; it will be a heartfelt celebration of Christopher and the legacy of opera in Pittsburgh. Resident Artist Alumni Alex Loutsion and Emily Richter return to our stage for one night only. They will be joined by legendary American mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, who will be presenting the evening's awards.
Event Details:
6:00 PM - Golden Honoree Reception
(For Award Winners, Sponsors, Host Committee, and VIP Ticket Holders)
6:30 PM
Patron Welcome - Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres
7:30 PM
Dinner and Awards
Performances by the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists and special guests
8:30 PM - Sunset Soiree
Dessert and Dancing
Music by DJ Cake
Contact Torrance Gricks, Manager of Corporate Development & Event Fundraising for more information.
Dancing at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
Dancing at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
New Guard dining at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
Resident Artist performances at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
The event’s namesake, Gaius Maecenas, was friend to the first Emperor of Rome, Caesar Augustus, and a celebrated patron to such artists of his time as Horace and Virgil. Today his name is synonymous with “patron of the arts.” Pittsburgh Opera’s Maecenas Award is bestowed upon benefactors whose exceptional dedication to our work ensures that live opera can thrive in Pittsburgh.
Previous award honorees include:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Nadine E. Bognar
Dr. Jared L. Cohon
Governor Tom Corbett
First Lady Susan Corbett
Arthur “Jack” Kerr
Robert Nutting
Janet Sarbaugh
Vincent Sarni
Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Donald Cardinal Wuerl
Maecenas Award
François J. Bitz
Electra and James R. Agras
Michele and Pat Atkins
Nadine E. Bognar
Carol R. Brown
Tony Bucci
Kathleen Casey Craig
Daya
Michele Fabrizi
Mary Louise Gailliot and the late Henry J. Gailliot
Named for Gaius Maecenas, the wealthy Roman statesman and cultural patron, the Maecenas gala has developed a reputation for a spectacular environment and great entertainment. SEEN hails it as “one of the best black-tie galas in town” and by the Tribune-Review as one of Pittsburgh’s top parties of the year. Each year, this event is a critical aspect of Pittsburgh Opera’s fundraising efforts to keep music alive in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
Annually, Maecenas galas celebrate a successful season for Pittsburgh Opera and recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the performing arts in Pittsburgh or within their respective fields. Each year, a few worthy recipients receive Awards from Pittsburgh Opera.
