Testimonials

Jack Carlson

Verdi conducting the first Paris performance of Aida in 1876.

Dear Metropolitan Opera,

For our entire family, no performance at the Met is complete without a visit to Founders Hall. Here among the sculptures and portraits is an inspiring bust of Giuseppe Verdi which truly captures his generosity, humanity and humility.

Verdi’s contribution to opera is immeasurable. Less well known is how generously he poured his funds and personal energy into charitable causes—a hospital and a retirement community for musicians. His posthumous royalties support these foundations to this day. The true greatness of Verdi was not only his contribution to art, but his lifelong effort to give back to music and mankind.

Today, Denise and I derive a great sense of joy and fulfillment in being members of the Encore Society and in helping preserve opera for the future. Joining was as simple as making the Met the beneficiary of an old insurance policy. Since then we have designated the Met, along with our children, as beneficiaries of a 401K retirement plan.

Every one of us, and all we know, will surely pass from this world. Our legacy must be the preservation of the art we have all cherished in life. The Met will endure, but only through our personal pledge and guarantee. The Encore Society provides not only the opportunity but also the honor of fulfilling this noble challenge. Standing in the shadow of so great an artist and human being as Verdi, can we really do any less?

To learn how you can emulate Verdi and the Carlsons, please call 212-870-7388.

The Encore Society
The Metopolitan Opera
Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023
212-870-7388
e-mail: encoresociety@mail.metopera.org.