Maecenas XLI Bon Voyage Saturday, May 16, 2026 Carnegie Music Hall
4400 Forbes Avenue
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.
This night will be more than a gala; it will be a heartfelt thank-you to Christopher for the artistry and imagination he has brought to our stage and city. We want you there with us to raise a glass in his honor.
Join our Host Committee
Pledge to join the Host Committee or fill a table here. This pre-sale is open until Monday, September 15, 2025. Act now to reserve your tickets at this price!
Host Committee Tickets are $900 per person ($1,000 after September 15, 2025)
Tables for 10 are $7,500 per person (all table guests receive VIP access and complimentary valet parking)
By reserving early, you’ll enjoy:
Priority seating for this one-night-only tribute
Special recognition for early commitments
The chance to make this evening truly unforgettable!
Contact Torrance Gricks, Manager of Corporate Development & Event Fundraising for more information.
Dancing at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
Dancing at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
New Guard dining at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
Resident Artist performances at the Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
Celestial Celebration--Maecenas XXXIX (photo credit: David Bachman)
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.
