Opera Naples has announced it received a $30,000 community leadership grant from the Collier Community Foundation.

This one-time unrestricted donation was made in response to recent state funding cuts that have impacted Opera Naples. Given the challenges of recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian’s severe damage to the Wang Opera Center, this grant is crucial for Opera Naples as it enters a new phase.

Opera Naples Chairman Emeritus Gerald Goldberg expressed gratitude in a press release, stating, “We are extremely thankful to the Collier Community Foundation for their generosity. Although we are still facing a shortfall from anticipated state funding, this $30,000 significantly helps bridge the gap. We value CCF’s commitment to the arts in our community, especially as Opera Naples looks forward to an exciting new season. We also appreciate the support from our community members who have actively participated in our end-of-season campaign on our website at operanaples.org.”

For the 2024-25 season, Opera Naples will continue its collaboration with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation and present four fully staged operas. The organization will also maintain its extensive music education programs, serving over 4,000 students annually through in-school and community initiatives.