Opera Carolina today announces the launch of the Classical Artists Fund, a new philanthropic initiative designed to provide vital support to the artists and creative professionals who bring opera to life. The fund will make its public debut at Bella Notte: A New Year’s Eve Masquerade Gala, held at The Ballantyne Hotel and inspired by Mozart’s enchanting The Magic Flute.

Created during a period of uncertainty for performing arts professionals, the Classical Artists Fund will offer financial assistance across a spectrum of needs—from auditions, training, and professional development to emergency support and compensation for lost contracts. Importantly, the fund extends beyond singers to encompass the full ecosystem of opera: stagehands, union crews, costume and set designers, directors, choreographers, musicians, and more.

“Opera is powered by artists whose brilliance often outshines the challenges they face behind the scenes,” said Dr. Shanté Williams, General Director of Opera Carolina. “The Classical Artists Fund is our promise to them—that their work, their wellbeing, and their creative futures matter. We are building a safety net worthy of their talent.”

To celebrate the launch, Opera Carolina invites the community to an unforgettable evening at Bella Notte. Guests will enjoy live music, dancing, and an air of masquerade, featuring Charlotte’s premier party band InfiniteSoul and Opera Carolina’s celebrated Resident Company, highlighted by the exhilarating “Queen of the Night” aria. The night concludes with a midnight champagne toast to welcome 2026.

By attending Bella Notte, patrons will play an active role in sustaining the artists who shape the region’s cultural landscape—ensuring they never face hardship in silence and that their lives remain as vibrant as the art they create.

For tickets and additional information, please visit https://operacarolina.org/bella-notte-2025/.