12 Jan 2006
US$25m donation to New York Met
The Metropolitan Opera house in New York, US, has received an unexpected donation from a benefactor of US$25m (£14.2m, 20.7m euro).
The biggest gift in the opera’s history, it was given by wealthy Texan socialite Mercedes Bass, who has also been a member of the Met’s board for 12 years.
The opera house was beginning to face severe financial difficulties before Bass donated the cash. She reportedly said: “It’s the duty of a board member to support the institution in times of need”.
General manager Joseph Volpe added: “The Met’s angel has shown her face.” Details: www.metoperafamily.org
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