Champion the Future of Opera

Your Gift Fuels the Dramatic Voices and Conductors of Tomorrow

Why Support The Olga Forrai Foundation?

Since 1981, The Olga Forrai Foundation has been a champion for the training, career development, and professional education of exceptionally large, dramatic voices in opera and conductors in the field of classical music. We have awarded over $1,000,000 in grants to artists specializing in the dramatic and verismo repertoire—ensuring that these rare and powerful voices continue to thrive.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

The dramatic voices of tomorrow, need our support today, as they grow and develop their craft. The Olga Forrai Foundation recognizes that these voices often don’t mature until an age where they may be ineligible for many grants and competitions. Our grants are open to applicants of all ages, races, counties of origin, sexual orientation, and gender identities. 

With your support, we help opera singers and conductors:

  • ✽

    Train for new roles in the dramatic fach, for which they have a signed contract.

  • ✽

    Fund audition tours with at least three confirmed auditions at established companies.

  • ✽

    Ensure the future of dramatic voices in the works of Wagner, Verdi, Strauss, Puccini, Mascagni, and others.

Hear from Our Grantees

  • Hilary Ginther | Mezzo-soprano

    Finances are always difficult for artists, and with the help of this fantastic foundation I am able to keep my work at the highest level I can possibly achieve.

  • Nina Bezu | Soprano

    Thanks to your generosity, I have successfully made my debut as Elisabetta in Don Carlo, a milestone I will cherish forever. None of this would have been possible without your belief in me. Your support has not only helped me take these important steps in my career but also gives me the confidence to continue striving for artistic excellence.

  • Daniel Scofield | Baritone

    Thank you all so much! Your support continues to be life-changing for me!

Make a donation.

There is a scarcity of healthy, dramatic voices in today’s world of opera. You can help guarantee that there will continue to be voices and conductors able to faithfully present the great works.

Please help us in supporting them with a contribution today. 

We are pleased to offer a variety of support levels, with increasing benefits, based on the contribution amount. Sponsorship recognition is good for one year. 

Supporter Levels and Benefits:

  • $100-$249 Geisterchor (The Ghost Chorus) 

    Listing as a supporter on our web-page, all programs and printed materials (anonymous listing option)

  • $250-$499 Anvil Chorus

    In addition to the Geisterchor benefits, you will also receive: The Olga Forrai Foundation quarterly electronic newsletters, and two complementary tickets to The Olga Forrai foundation’s special events (concerts, Q&A sessions, Master Classes, etc.)

  • $500-$999 Ritter des Heiligen Grals (Knights of the Holy Grail)

    In addition to the Anvil Chorus benefits, you will also receive: A pair of tickets to a Final Dress Rehearsal at The Metropolitan Opera 

  • $1000-$2499 Meistersingers

    In addition to the Ritter des Heiligen Grals benefits, you will also receive: Two complimentary tickets, in the Orchestra Level, for a Metropolitan Opera production

  • $2500-$4999 Gods of Valhalla  

    In addition to the Meistersingers benefits, you will also receive: Two complimentary ticket(s) to our Annual Dinner and “The Olga Forrai Foundation - Award for Artistic Excellence” presentation

  • $5000 and above - Named Grants

    Grant awarded by the foundation to a recipient, given in your name, the name of another, or anonymously.

    *in addition to the Gods of Valhalla  benefits, you will also receive: Two complimentary tickets to the Pre-Dinner “Meet and Greet Cocktail Hour” with the annual honoree for “The Olga Forrai Foundation - Award for Artistic Excellence”

  • Other / Recurring

    Your sponsorship level can be given in a one time payment, or you have the option of monthly payments spread out over the course of the year. If you choose the recurring payment option, you will still enjoy the benefits of your chosen sponsorship level for the year.

  • Planned Giving

    If you would like to remember The Olga Forrai Foundation in your estate planning, please call the foundation at: (646) 785–2695 to discuss in detail how the foundation can assist you with this.

Sponsorship Amount

3% Cover the Fee

100% of donations will go directly to grants for Singers and Conductors.

Please make checks payable to:

The Olga Forrai Foundation, Inc. 

c/o Vandamme Law Firm, P.C.

46 Trinity Place, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10006

 FAQs

  • Our grants are open to singers and conductors of all ages, backgrounds, and identities who meet the criteria for professional career advancement.

  • 100% of contributions go directly toward funding grants that help singers and conductors develop their careers and bring great operatic works to life.

  • SINGERS

    Grant money is awarded primarily for studying and preparing a role(s) new to your dramatic operatic or concert repertoire. This preparation may include voice lessons, coaching, and language studies necessary to perfect vocal technique to pursue a professional career or confirmed audition tour(s).

    Confirmed Role

    Voice Lesson, Coaching, Language Study

    Audition Tour

    Flight, Train, Accomodation, Accompanist

    CONDUCTORS

    Grant money is awarded primarily for studying and preparing a professional full-scale opera production, choral works with orchestra and soloists, or a symphonic work with soloists in the dramatic repertoire and new to your repertoire.  This preparation may include lessons with an established conductor or mentor, coaching, language study, or other relevant measures related to your proposal. Grants for conductors made by The Olga Forrai Foundation are limited to a maximum of one (1) per calendar year.

  • Yes! The Olga Forrai Foundation, Inc. is a non profit, 501(c)3 arts organization. It is governed by an all volunteer board of directors. Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. We will send you a receipt with the tax deductible information for your tax filing.