Falstaff
The music matches the merriment of this madcap romp. See why Verdi’s buoyant comedy, based on Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, is considered one of the best comedic operas of all time!
Maecenas XLI Saturday, May 16, 2026 Carnegie Music Hall Foyer, Oakland
4400 Forbes Avenue RSVP HERE
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, Brian Vu, 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.
Host Committee Tickets: $1000
Tables for 10 are $7,500 (all table guests receive VIP access and complimentary valet parking)
Dinner Tickets: $600
Soiree Tickets: $200 (members of our New Guard or Noteworthy Society receive $50 off)
Are you looking to significantly impact the success of this event and introduce your unique brand to the Pittsburgh Opera audience? Please consider individual or corporate sponsorship. To sponsor Maecenas XL: Opera in Red, please contact Torrance Gricks via email or at 412-281-0912 x225.
Gold Sponsor ($25,000 +)
David L. Porges and Gabriela A. Porges
Dave and Dina McCormick
Silver Sponsor ($15,000 +)
Federated Hermes
PNC
Pearl Sponsor ($10,000 +)
Bill and Vivian Benter
BNY
Highmark
S&T Bank
UPMC and UPMC Health Plan
Bronze Sponsor ($5,000 +)
Dr. Lisa Cibik and Bernie J. Kobosky
Mark Flaherty and Mary McKinney Flaherty
Patsy and Don McKinney
#1 Cochran
DT Midstream
Giant Eagle Foundation
Miller McCurry
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.
