A Legacy of Harmony: J. Barry Schrenk's Gift to Support The Atlanta Opera
Barry Schrenk, Anita Schrenk, and Alfred Kennedy at The Atlanta Opera in 1998
Among The Atlanta Opera’s family leadership, J. Barry Schrenk stands out for his enduring passion and dedication. After serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from Rider University, Barry advanced rapidly through the ranks in The Bell Company in New Jersey. He achieved similar success in transportation, serving for 4 years as assistant commissioner of motor vehicles. A new adventure brought him to Atlanta where he acquired Taggart's Driving School in 1976. Most importantly, he met his enchanting neighbor Anita, who became his wife. Barry quickly fell in love with Anita, Atlanta, and the city’s cultural community.
A lifelong connoisseur of music, Barry's heart found its true home with opera. He enthusiastically served as president of The Friends of The Atlanta Opera from 1985 to 1990. Later, he chaired the Education Committee on The Atlanta Opera’s Board of Directors for several years. His leadership at the Opera continues as he now sits on the honorary board.
Yet, Barry's devotion doesn’t stop there. Even as he continued running the driving school, he took a unique role within The Metropolitan Opera National Council, where he has served 33 years as the Membership and Finance Director for the Southeast Region. Additionally, Governor Nathan Deal appointed him to the board of the Georgia Council for the Arts, then as the board’s chair, a role he continues under the Governor Kemp’s leadership.
Schrenk describes opera as “an all-encompassing art form which magically combines orchestra, singers, scenery, story, and special effects for a transcendent experience.” For decades, Barry and Anita have supported The Atlanta Opera with their loyal attendance and annual donations.
Barry deepened his commitment when he joined The Barbara D. Stewart Legacy Society and made the the Opera a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. When asked what inspired his gift, Barry stated, “I’ve loved The Atlanta Opera for many years and believe it’s my duty as a supporter to help maintain and ensure its future. I’m proud of what The Atlanta Opera has accomplished, and I want to see it endure forever.”
Barry regularly brings his grandchildren to performances at the the Opera, and his legacy gift ensures that they will continue enjoying vibrant performances for decades to come.
Planned giving, with its potential for tax savings and lasting impact, offers a gateway to perpetuating the arts. Bequests, trusts, life insurance, and retirement assets all hold the power to shape the opera's future. We are grateful for faithful legacy donors like Barry Schrenk. To find out how to become a member of the Barbara D. Stewart Legacy Society, contact Jonathan Blalock at 336-512-6832 or jblalock@atlantaopera.org.
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