A Transformative Gift from the Benson Foundation

The New Orleans Opera is proud to announce a generous $150,000 contribution from the Benson Foundation, led by New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, whose commitment to the cultural life of our city continues to inspire and uplift. This remarkable gift comes at a pivotal moment as we prepare to launch the first‑ever New Orleans Opera Festival, an ambitious new chapter for our company and the arts in Louisiana.

Mrs. Benson has long been a champion of the institutions that shape the spirit of New Orleans, and her support for this inaugural festival reflects that same vision and generosity. The Benson Foundation’s investment ensures that our expanded artistic programming, community engagement initiatives, and festival‑wide collaborations will begin not only with momentum but with confidence.

“This gift is a profound vote of confidence in what opera can mean to a community,” said Lila Palmer, Artistic Director of the New Orleans Opera. “The Benson Foundation’s support allows us to dream bigger, reach further, and create work that reflects the depth and vibrancy of New Orleans. Their belief in our mission strengthens every note we bring to the stage.”

Philanthropists like the Benson Foundation are the backbone of opera companies across America. Their belief in the power of music, storytelling, and shared cultural experience keeps this art form vibrant, accessible, and strong. At a time when many arts organizations are navigating new challenges and new opportunities, gifts like this one do more than sustain the work; they elevate it.

The impact of this gift extends far beyond the stage lights. Opera is a living ecosystem all its own, one that depends on the talents of hundreds of people whose work often unfolds behind the scenes. This support helps sustain the singers who perform, the painters who create our worlds, the electricians who wire our stages, the carpenters who build our sets, and the students and apprentices who learn their craft by working side‑by‑side with seasoned professionals. A gift of this magnitude strengthens the entire creative workforce that brings opera to life.

The New Orleans Opera Festival represents a bold step forward: a concentrated season of performances, events, and artistic partnerships that will bring new energy to our city’s cultural landscape. The Benson Foundation’s leadership makes this vision possible. Their support affirms that opera has a vital place in the life of New Orleans and that our community values the beauty, depth, and humanity it brings.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Gayle Benson and the Benson Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and for their belief in what this festival can mean for our city. Their commitment strengthens not only the New Orleans Opera but the cultural fabric of our entire region.  With partners like the Benson Foundation, the future of opera in New Orleans will shine brighter than ever in the spotlight.

Thank you, Mrs. Benson, for championing the arts and for strengthening the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans.