As a nonprofit organization, LA Opera relies on generous, tax-deductible donations from opera lovers to keep grand opera thriving in Los Angeles. Many are surprised that ticket sales cover less than half the cost to produce a season of opera. Supporters like Marianne and Abdelmonem Afifi make it possible for LA Opera to share this timeless art form throughout our community.

For the Afifis, opera is more than a form of entertainment—it’s a deeply rooted passion that spans continents and generations. Their journey with the art form began in their youth and has continued through decades of support for opera houses around the world, including LA Opera.

Marianne’s introduction to opera began in Vienna, a city synonymous with classical music and grand opera. “I was taken to my first opera at the age of 11,” she recalls, adding that as a high school student, she often attended operas using free standing-room tickets offered to students. It was in this cultural heartland that Marianne met Abdelmonem, who originally encountered opera in Cairo but came to truly appreciate it while living in Vienna. The couple’s shared experience at a performance of    La Bohème    at the Vienna State Opera sealed their mutual love for the art form.

Marianne and Abdelmonem believe in sharing opera with others, just as it was shared with them. “We’ve introduced our daughter-in-law and grandson to opera and have suggested it to several friends who had never been,” they say. Their goal is to foster the same kind of magical experiences for new generations that they themselves enjoyed in their youth.

The Afifis are strong advocates for supporting LA Opera through charitable giving. “We believe that opera tells stories in a unique way through fabulous music,” they explain. “It’s something everyone should experience.” Their contributions reflect a desire to preserve and expand access to the art form, especially for younger generations.

As Abdelmonem puts it, “The arts have been seriously underfunded. In our own small way, we want to strengthen organizations like LA Opera to do what they do best.”

To anyone considering a donation, they offer this simple truth: “If you love opera and have funds to spare, it’s a good investment to keep opera alive and well in our community.”

And for those who may hesitate because they feel their donation would be too small? “Any amount makes a difference,” they insist. “Think of the population of Los Angeles—if only a fraction donated a small amount, it would add up to a lot.”

To Marianne and Abdelmonem, LA Opera is more than a company—it’s a cultural pillar. “LA Opera is an integral part of the arts and culture of Los Angeles,” they say. “It rounds out the picture of so many arts and cultural organizations that make up this diverse community.”

“We’ll keep on giving as long as it’s feasible for us. We love opera, and without LA Opera, Los Angeles would not be the same.”

Thank you, Marianne and Abdelmonem.

If you’re inspired by their story, consider making a gift today. Your support helps ensure that the beauty and power of opera remain a vibrant part of our community for generations to come.