‘Twas the night of our op’ning, when all through the house
the theater was bustling, with thousands of sounds.
The lighting was hung on the rails with care,
in hopes that our diva soon would be there.
The patrons were nestled all snug in their seats,
while mallets on timpani practiced their beats.
The cast was at places, the stagehands were steady,
the maestro’s baton was held high at the ready.
The curtain arose to reveal the sight,
a beautiful set bathed in warm, glowing light.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a chorus of singers whose sounds knew no peer.
As voices from artists of highest acclaim
washed over my ears then the memories came:
Now Verdi! Now Handel!
Now, Gioacchino Rossini!
On, Mozart! On, Britten!
On, Maestro Puccini!
From the top of the staff!
To the back of the hall!
Sing away! Sing away!
Sing away, all!
And then, in a twinkling, my thoughts took a turn
The opera’s a place where young children can learn
While their teachers in workshops learn how to prepare
A classroom of kids to enjoy the affair
They were dressed in their finest with smiles ear to ear
Not knowing just what they were destined to hear.
Their eyes–how they twinkled! Their dimples, how merry!
Their cheeks were like roses, their noses like berries!
As high notes flew by and the story unfolded
Their future with opera was then being molded
When the buffo appeared, a right jolly old elf,
they laughed when they saw him, in spite of themselves.
An experience like this! And you play a part!
Lives can be changed by this powerful art
Praise and thanks-giving should certainly fall
To the five savvy women who started it all
For 85 years with a legacy strong
Sustaining a place where we all can belong.
Now to you we entrust with the greatest of care
That your Pittsburgh Opera will always be there.
A considerate gift, from the heart and sincere
Is accepted with thanks working magic all year
And you’ll hear us exclaim with most heartfelt delight,
A big “Bravo to all, and to all a good night!”
— Kristin Gatch, Assistant to the General Director and Development Research Associate & Torrance Gricks, Manager of Corporate Development & Events Fundraising
