Florentine Opera - The Merry Widow

An image from the Florentine Opera's production of The Merry Widow.

Photo: Jay Westhauser

Donald and Donna Baumgartner, long-time donors and champions of the arts in Milwaukee, have made a $1.5 million gift to the Florentine Opera Company.

This gift will support the company’s nationally-recognized Studio Artist Program, now in its tenth season. Moving forward, it will be named The Donald and Donna Baumgartner Studio Artist program, in recognition of their generosity.

“We are thrilled to support this visionary program that Bill first introduced to Milwaukee in 2008,” said the Baumgartners. “These vocalists are a hardworking select few who are enabled to both enrich their artistry and contribute much to the educational and cultural landscape in Milwaukee."

Donald Baumgartner is a former member of the Board of Directors, and serves as a Life Director on the Florentine Opera board. The couple has been involved with the organization since 1991, and have frequently been the Presenting Sponsors of mainstage opera productions, including the Florentine’s recent production of Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow.

“Donald and Donna have been champions of so many endeavors in our city, and the Florentine Opera is indeed blessed to be the beneficiaries of this wonderful gift,” said the Florentine’s General Director William Florescu. “The company is thrilled to have its nationally recognized Studio Artist program linked to two people who represent the very best of Milwaukee.”

For information, visit florentineopera.org.

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