"Opera: the first love is never forgotten"

The Teatro del Maggio announces a major donation from Maria Manetti Shrem

The donation will support the activity of the Maggio Academy  for the "Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Artist Program"

The president of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, confers to Maria Manetti Shrem the “Pegasus for culture”

 The hall in which much of the teaching activity of the Academy takes place is named after Mrs Manetti Shrem

Florence, March 18th 2025 - The Italian-American patron Maria Manetti Shrem, already generous donor of the Maggio Fiorentino, who has named her foyer, supports with love for music and arts in support of his hometown, Florence, again the Theatre with a contribution that will reflect on the activity of the Accademia del Maggio, naming for life the important program, Young Artist Program (YAP), the high training school for opera singers. At the announcement of the donation are present the president of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani, the mayor of Florence and president of the Fondazione del Teatro del Maggio Sara Funaro, the superintendent of the Teatro Carlo Fuortes and the president of the Accademia del Maggio Mario Curia.

"Opera: the first love is never forgotten" - reminds us of Maria Manetti Shrem who, at a very young age, attended for the first time a Bohème at the Maggio in the then Teatro Comunale, with Renata Tebaldi as Mimì. That moment triggered the spark of love towards the opera, propensity and interest she has never abandoned. Her innate generosity combined with that of her husband Jan - recently deceased - towards the arts, culture, music, sciences and education of the new generations, made it natural to think about supporting the Theatre and specifically the Academy, through the YAP, to enhance, transmit and spread internationally the rich Italian opera tradition, which has its origins in Florence.

"I fell in love with the opera at the Teatro del Maggio in Florence when I was a teenager - says Maria Manetti Shrem - For me, the encounter with the opera was a lightning; a love at first sight that I have never forgotten. I am delighted to be able to support and nominate the Academy of May’s emerging artists academic program with the intention of attracting the best talents from around the world, and thus bringing the name of Maggio abroad. The opera was born in Florence at the end of '500. Five hundred years later, Teatro del Maggio can contribute to this legacy, forming great talents for the world opera scene."

The YAP will take the name of Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Artist Program, becoming one of the most prestigious international projects of the Academy. The program consists of a two-year artistic residency offered to young opera singers and pianists, carefully selected from the best talents in the world through international calls. As a further sign of gratitude, the Maggio and the Academy named to Mrs Manetti Shrem a large rehearsal room on the second floor of the Theatre, mainly for teaching activities and rehearsals for young and talented artists of the Academy. 

The Mayor of Florence and president of the Maggio, Sara Funaro, on the occasion of the important donation commented: "The love for music and for our city is what drives Maria Manetti Shrem who once again shows us his generosity. This time in particular will support a program aimed at young people, making it possible for many young artists to achieve their dream. Culture and music are a precious heritage, it is crucial that there are people who decide to take care of them and make their contribution. Maria Manetti Shrem is an extraordinary philanthropist and patron, whom we must also thank today. We have already given her the keys to the city of Florence, precisely because of the great commitment that she is showing today to continue, with so much love for our community"

Carlo Fuortes, superintendent of the Maggio, said: "Maria Manetti Shrem is not only a patron, but a true visionary, a woman who is dedicating her life to supporting art, culture and education. Her love for music and her deep connection with Florence have brought her, once again, to be a driving force for our theatre and for the young talents of the Accademia del Maggio. Thanks to your generous donation we can offer new opportunities for training, improvement and performance to the best young artists, allowing them to grow and establish themselves in the international music scene. This investment in talent is not just an act of generosity, but a strong signal of confidence in the new generations, a gift that will continue to bear fruit for many years to come."

Mario Curia, president of the Accademia del Maggio: "We are proud of this act of patronage which reveals a great attention towards young artists. The precious support is not only a gift, but also a sign of confidence in the talent, dreams and professionalism of those who, with dedication and passion, contribute to give voice to beauty."

Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region: "Tuscany feels like the patron of our times: Maria Manetti Shrem this year has played an important role in the May donatari. To award her the Pegasus of Culture of the Tuscany Region means a lot to us, in order to enhance Maria’s commitment towards our Theatre, the Florentine and Tuscan realities."