“Opera Theatre of Saint Louis announced today that the company had received a $45 million bequest from its late board member Phyllis Brissenden,” reads an unsigned Thursday (2/6) Opera News article. “The posthumous gift, which the company called ‘transformative,’ is one of the largest ever recorded for an American opera company and will more than double the company’s endowment. ‘Phyllis championed Opera Theatre from its very beginnings, and remained a loyal, devoted fan and supporter throughout her life,’ said OTSL Board Chairman Noémi Neidorff in a statement issued by the company … Brissenden … died at the age of 86 on December 17…. Born on March 31, 1933 and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Brissenden studied at Sweet Briar College and spent a portion of her career working for United Way…. Brissenden’s gift is designated for Opera Theatre’s general endowment, and will more than double the fund from $35 million to approximately $80 million.”
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