Vo l u m e I I • F a l l 2 0 1 0
Curtain S A N F R A NCIS C O O PERA
B E H I N D
T H E
A Family Affair Three Generations of the Rigg Family Commit to San Francisco Opera
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ichard and Pamela Rigg first subscribed to San Francisco Opera in 1997 and became donors soon afterwards. According to Pamela, “we felt it was important to support SFO because we enjoyed it so much.” In addition to making an annual gift to support operations, they also contributed to the Endowment, which helps guarantee the opera’s future. The opera has become a family affair for the Riggs. Richard is a member of the Board of Directors, Pamela serves on the Merola Opera Board, and daughter Chandra—whom they introduced to opera at an early age—is a member of Orpheus, a group of younger donors. “Our involvement in SFO seemed to happen organically,” says Pamela, who has always been interested in young artists. Richard’s Board participation was motivated by his desire to “further an art form that combines music, literature, design and
“Our involvement in SFO seemed to happen organically.”
Photo by Drew Altizer
— Pamela Rigg
Letter from David Gockley on page two
Richard and Pamela Rigg attend a special donor event.
theater.” Chandra was drawn to engage with a community of young opera enthusiasts like herself. “I’m inspired by David Gockley’s leadership,” Richard says. “He has a fine artistic sensibility bringing top talent to the house; he knows the importance of sound fiscal management; he is innovative in his outreach to the community with Opera at AT&T Park and the video series for movie theaters. On top of that, he’s always thinking up ways of keeping the company going, with initiatives like the Camerata.” [For additional information about Camerata, see page 4.] As a musician himself, Richard appreciates Maestro Luisotti’s lyrical and impassioned direction of the superb musicians, and Pamela enthuses over the chorus. Chandra chimes in with her appreciation of the staging and stage direction of the operas. As part of a younger generation of patrons, Chandra says, “Orpheus Chandra Rigg is a great way to increase the impact of your donation, and the events give you behind-thescenes access to the operatic process. Plus, I like to feel like I am part of an opera community.” Richard notes, “We also enjoy the Littlefield Intermezzo Lounge where we can meet with our opera friends who over time have become personal friends.” The Opera House is like a second home to the Riggs. The Riggs marvel at the loyalty of San Francisco Opera patrons in the face of the current economic climate. Richard concludes, “even though times are difficult— well, perhaps because times are difficult— people appreciate things of enduring value. This internationally recognized opera company has enduring value and it is our Opera House. The sense of community and of commitment to this art form, despite economic uncertainty, has become even more important.” For more information about legacy giving, contact our planned giving staff at (415) 565-3225. To learn about Orpheus, call (415) 551-6292.
Photo by Kristen Loken
A P u b l i c at i o n E x c l u s i v e ly f o r Sa n F r a n c i s c o Ope r a C o n t r i b u t o r s