Giving Back to Sustain the ‘Profound Joy’ of Opera
"Music has given me profound joy, and music is what I can give back."
Photo is from Julius Caesar at The Atlanta Opera, November 2021
The Atlanta Opera isn't just where I work; it's where I'm leaving my legacy.
Turning 40 last December came with a new set of questions: When was my last physical? Should I reexamine the allocations in my 401(k)? Is that a new wrinkle? And, of course, the age-old existential inquiry: What am I doing with my life? Unmarried with no children, I wondered what long-term impact I might leave on the world.
Music has given me profound joy, and music is what I can give back.
Music links every chapter of my life—from piano lessons beginning in kindergarten to college choir tours and eventually a 10-year career as a professional operatic tenor. Opera is where I discovered the power of my voice as a musical instrument and where I found a fascinating and unconditionally supportive community.
My dedication to this art form is unshakable and currently expressed as a member of The Atlanta Opera fundraising team. As a professional advocate for opera, I have the privilege of helping donors align their passions and capacity to support a cause they love.
I am fortunate to see how our company serves my community. I am deeply touched by stories like how our program that provides complimentary tickets to veterans inspired a healing connection between a grandfather and his granddaughter. I witness the enchantment of first-graders hearing classical singing for the first time during performances of The Studio Opera Tour. In a world where divisiveness drives the daily news, I appreciate the Opera, where we can gather and remember our shared humanity through compelling, beautifully sung stories.
Opera is a gorgeous, powerful, challenging, and expensive art form. Each production at The Atlanta Opera is a miraculous confluence of effort from artists, designers, technicians, administrators, ticket buyers, board members, and donors like you and me.
My current capacity to contribute financially is modest. However, I realized that by remembering The Atlanta Opera in my estate, I could leave a significant gift that will provide long-lasting results.
In the finale of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer's opera Three Decembers, the lead character sings that opera gives us "what every person desires: not escape, but connection. Greed, pride, and yearning dissolved by the power of dreams." By confirming my planned gift to The Atlanta Opera, I am delighted to know those dreams will extend far into the future.
To find out how you can join me as a member of the Barbara Stewart Legacy Society, please email me at jblalock@atlantaopera.org.
Jonathan Blalock
Associate Director of Development for Major and Planned Gifts
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