A lifelong music lover and one of the earliest supporters of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has posthumously bequeathed to the organization “a transformative endowment gift” of $45 million.
Philanthropist and OTSL life board member Phyllis Brissenden, who passed away at age 86 in Springfield, Illinois, on Dec. 17, left the company the largest gift in its history—and one of the largest ever for an American opera company—more than doubling its current endowment from $35 million to $80 million.
Mrs. Brissenden, an Illinois native, was a lifelong lover of music, and supported OTSL from its very first season in 1976. For decades, she gave to the company anonymously, but it is estimated that she contributed a total sum of $2.5 million to OTSL during her lifetime.
Mrs. Brissenden also led Opera Theatre’s National Patrons Council from 2010 to 2017, encouraging opera lovers from around the country to support the organization.
In a statement announcing the gift, Opera Theatre said Mrs. Brissenden’s greateast source of enjoyment was getting to know the singers and staff, showing the same kindness to volunteers, ushers and garden staff as she did to star singers, and often shared news clippings and family recipes with her OTSL friends. She built deep and lasting relationships with each of Opera Theatre’s general directors, all of whom remained lifelong friends until the time of her passing.
“We are profoundly humbled by and grateful for this extraordinary gesture of generosity,” said Andrew Jorgensen, Opera Theatre’s current general director. “(Phyllis) often referred to Opera Theatre as her family, and she always spoke with particular affection of the deep friendships that she built with my predecessors Richard Gaddes, Charles MacKay and Timothy O’Leary… We knew Phyllis was planning to leave a bequest to Opera Theatre, but we had no idea just how significant it would be. We feel deeply fortunate that this gift allows us to reach for even greater levels of artistic excellence and community impact.”
Mrs. Brissenden’s gift is designated for Opera Theatre’s general endowment and will more than double that endowment from $35 million to approximately $80 million. Because the company’s annual distribution is based on a three-year rolling average of endowment performance, it will take several years before OTSL will feel the full impact of the bequest.
“Phyllis championed Opera Theatre from its very beginnings, and remained a loyal, devoted fan and supporter throughout her life,” said Noémi Neidorff, Opera Theatre board chair. “Every season, she made frequent trips from her home in Springfield, so as not to miss any performances, board meetings, master classes, rehearsals or workshops. My fellow board members and I count ourselves fortunate to have known Phyllis. We will forever cherish her memory.”
In addition to her involvement with OTSL, Mrs. Brissenden also served as a member of the board of directors of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (later consolidated to become the Illinois Symphony Orchestra).
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has announced it will dedicate its 2020 production of “Susannah” in memory of Mrs. Brissenden, and has plans to hold a fitting celebration of her gift to the organization to take place later this year.
