Dear Friends and Supporters of the Arts,
As music director of the Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and as a conductor around the country and the world, I've collaborated with and befriended many AGMA Artists, witnessing firsthand their incredible talent and dedication. Their unwavering commitment to their craft has been a source of inspiration, and I have been fortunate to forge meaningful connections with these extraordinary individuals in our shared pursuit of the art forms we all love.
So, it is with great pleasure and a sense of responsibility that I write to you today as this year’s AGMA Relief Fund Holiday Drive Chair.
As we all know, the past few years have deeply affected the livelihoods of countless members of the performing arts community – my friends and colleagues. The AGMA Relief Fund, which is solely dependent on our donations, was founded in 1945 by a group of compassionate, world-renowned conductors, composers, and performers to provide a safety net to the Union’s members. The Relief Fund has been a beacon of hope ever since it started, providing crucial emergency support to artists facing unforeseen circumstances, from medical emergencies to unexpected financial hardships.
It's inspiring to see positive changes within our industry as we emerge from challenging times. The spirit of resilience has paved the way for a more inclusive landscape, where diverse voices are celebrated on the stage, telling fresh and important stories. I cannot stress enough how these changes are charting a way forward for the future of our art form. But we cannot support the arts without supporting artists.
The AGMA Relief Fund reinforces this positive shift, ensuring that artists from underrepresented backgrounds have the means and opportunity to contribute to and thrive in an industry that is evolving – slowly but surely – for the better.
Contributions to the AGMA Relief Fund are tax deductible and make a direct and immediate impact. Supporting a non-profit such as the AGMA Relief Fund is a lifeline for those who find themselves at a crossroads, deciding whether they can continue pursuing their passion in the face of adversity.
In the true spirit of the season, I invite you to join me in supporting the AGMA Relief Fund. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a lasting impression on the lives of artists who have dedicated themselves to the worlds of opera, dance, and choral performance. You can also support by sharing this letter with your network. If we all do what we can, we can ensure the future of the Relief Fund.
Together, by each contributing in our own way, we can make a difference in the lives of AGMA Artists.
Wishing you a joyous and harmonious holiday season,
Yannick Nézet-Séguin