Testimonials

June Rose Garrott

The Rhinemaidens being hoisted aloft at the start of Das Rheingold, circa 1940's.

Dear Metropolitan Opera, 

Born during the Great Depression, by the time I was eight years old in the 1940's, the financial situation of the U.S had improved sufficiently to allow my parents to build a home considerably removed from the center of town. Away from town, I missed the easy access I had previously had to neighbors and playmates, and I sometimes found myself rather at loose ends on Saturdays — particularly on rainy Saturdays.

One such Saturday afternoon, curled up on the floor, fiddling with the knobs on our console radio, I stumbled upon the three Rhinemaidens. At the time, I had no idea who they were or what they were singing about, but I was transfixed by the beauty of their sound. I have never been quite the same person since that day.

Beginning on that long-ago rainy Saturday afternoon, I have tried to arrange my life so that I can listen to the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. Early on, I settled upon Risë Stevens as my "high particular," as my father used to say, and she retains that position to this day.

Through my love of opera, my parents came to an appreciation of the genre, and my four children grew up listening to opera. With two of them, my enthusiasm "took" and they enjoy listening to opera whether I am around or not.

In gratitude for more than 60 years of splendid music and wonderful Saturday afternoons, I have chosen to name the Metropolitan Opera as Termination Beneficiary of my trust.

Sincerely,

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