![san francisco opera donation request san francisco opera donation request](https://www.capradio.org/media/12250049/harrypotterp.jpg)
![san francisco opera donation request san francisco opera donation request](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/archivesE/1stdibs/050714/Abhaya_CC_DM/6/B.jpg)
In an article in the Opera's program book this month, she is quoted recalling her first opera performance, during a school trip to hear Bizet's "Carmen." Littlefield, who declined to give her age, was born in Paris, the daughter of opera-loving parents who inspired her passion for the art form while she was a child. "The point is that people are responding to where the company is going under David's leadership, and so I'm pretty optimistic that we're going to be able to capitalize on this."Īsked whether her gift should be seen as a vote of confidence in Gockley's leadership, Littlefield replied, "Let's just say that the timing was right, and I look forward to many good things from David Gockley and the company." "She's hoping this serves as a challenge to others to make major gifts to the company as well," he said. George Hume, president of the Opera, said he hoped Littlefield's gift would inspire other donors. Littlefield's gift comes as the company has emerged from several multimillion-dollar budget deficits that prompted cutbacks and a flurry of extra private donations to cover the shortfalls.Īlthough the company now is in the black, its officers have said they want to increase the size of the endowment, which is far below the level that most arts administrators consider prudent. The money comes with no restrictions on its use, Gockley said.Īsked about the timing of the gift, she said, "I felt it was important to make a commitment while I was able to do so and see it enjoyed by so many people." General Director David Gockley said Tuesday that $10 million of the donation would go into annual operating expenses, and the remaining $25 million would augment the company's endowment, which stands at around $90 million. Photo by: Michael Macor/ San Francisco Chronicle Michael MacorĪt a time when the San Francisco Opera is looking to shore up its finances, the company has received $35 million from longtime patron and supporter Jeannik Méquet Littlefield, a donation believed to be the largest to an American opera company from a single benefactor. Littlefield with a bouquet of flowers in her box before the start of this evenings performance. tonight, Opera general director David Gockley will announce the gift before the opening curtain and will present Mrs. Jeannik Mequet Littlefield, 89, is giving 35 million dollars to the SF Opera, the largest single gift by an individual to any US opera company. Facebook Twitter Email opera04_028_mac.jpg Jeannik Mequet Littlefield is honored, her close friend Violet Taaffe, (left) and her daughter-in- law, Sandy Littlefield, (right).