July 18, 2018 (Calgary, Alberta) – Calgary Opera’s General Director and CEO, Keith Cerny, Ph.D., is delighted to announce distinguished Canadian tenor and broadcaster Ben Heppner, O.C., LL.D., as Honorary Chair of Calgary Opera’s new Legacy Society.
“Calgary Opera is deeply privileged to have Mr. Heppner serve as Honorary Chair of our Legacy Society”, said Keith Cerny. “Mr. Heppner’s remarkable career serves as a model for Canadian singers achieving success at the world’s greatest opera houses, including his extraordinary performances in Calgary in 2012 as Captain Ahab in Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s Moby-Dick. He, better than almost anyone, understands the importance of legacy giving to Calgary Opera’s long-term financial and artistic success.”
Calgary Opera Board Chair Michael Brown noted, “Speaking as an admirer of Mr. Heppner’s career for many years, we are delighted to have the benefit of his leadership and support as we work to develop and grow our Legacy Society.”
A new endeavour for the company, The Legacy Society is focused on building long-term sustainability for Calgary Opera through donations and gifts from patrons wishing to leave a lasting legacy that goes beyond their lifetime.
Mr Heppner noted that “Having sung at leading opera houses all over the world, I have seen first-hand the need for consistent financial support from governments, corporations, and individual donors to keep this vibrant and vital art form healthy and innovative. Calgary Opera’s new Legacy Society will enable the company to add to its existing base of support, and make bold artistic plans for the future.”
The Legacy Society will allow patrons to pledge gifts through their wills, retirement plans, life-income plans, and many other creative planned-giving arrangements. Associates of the Legacy Society will be joining a very special group of Calgary Opera friends who believe in supporting high-quality arts. Appreciation for their gift will be acknowledged through recognition and with invitations to attend especially planned events, including an annual dinner with Honorary Chair, Ben Heppner.
More information on the Calgary Opera’s Legacy Society can be found at www.calgaryopera.com/support/legacy-giving.
