The Metropolitan Opera Guild's 84th Annual Luncheon Will Honor Anna Netrebko

The Metropolitan Opera Guild today announced that the honoree of the 84th Annual Guild Luncheon will be legendary soprano Anna Netrebko. The celebration will take place on Friday, October 26th at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

"The Guild is proud to honor the artistry and accomplishments of Anna Netrebko," said Richard J. Miller, Jr., President of the Metropolitan Opera Guild. "Anna is an authentic twenty-first century superstar whose generous spirit, passion for life and amazing talent have thrilled audiences everywhere. Anna is more than just a great soprano - she is a true ambassador for the arts who has inspired thousands of people all over the world to love opera. Introducing opera to a wider audience has always been the goal of the Guild's programs, and our Annual Luncheon helps make those programs possible."

The reigning prima donna of the 21st century, Anna Netrebko has redefined what it means to be an opera star and has become the most acclaimed soprano in the world. In live performance and on award-winning recordings, her portrayals of opera's most iconic heroines have already made an indelible mark. Now, as she ventures into bolder, more dramatic repertoire, she continues to reach new heights. From singing at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics to becoming the first classical artist named to TIME magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people, Netrebko serves as opera's leading global ambassador and is widely recognized as one of today's most compelling, committed performing artists in any genre. Offstage, on social media, she shares her infectious joie de vivre - along with her love of family, fashion, and food - inspiring people to live their most colorful lives and to celebrate what makes them unique.

"I am very honored to be this year's Metropolitan Opera Guild Luncheon honoree," remarked Ms. Netrebko. "Whether it's through their financial support of the Met or reaching the public through their editorials and education programs, we all - artists and audiences alike - are direct beneficiaries of The Guild's tireless work. I am grateful to be recognized by them and would like to express my thanks for their continued advocacy for the art form."

The Metropolitan Opera Guild's Annual Luncheon has been a highlight of every opera season for decades, bringing together artists and their fans to celebrate the leading exponents of the art form. Last year, the Guild honored opera legend Renée Fleming. Other recent honorees have included Grace Bumbry, Mirella Freni, Sherrill Milnes, Renata Scotto, Jessye Norman, Kiri Te Kanawa, Marilyn Horne, Frederica von Stade, Plácido Domingo and Franco Zeffirelli.

All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the educational programs of the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Regular tickets to the Guild Luncheon are available for $275; individual benefactor tickets are available for $600; individual President's Circle tickets at $900. In addition, Benefactor tables are available for $6,000; President's Circle tables at $9,000, and Gold Circle tables at $12,000. A portion of each ticket purchase is tax-deductible as allowed by law. For event information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Metropolitan Opera Guild's website or call 212-769-7009.

The Metropolitan Opera Guild's Annual Luncheon is made possible through the support of the Lloyd E. Rigler-Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation and Corporate Sponsor BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

The Metropolitan Opera Guild is the world's premier arts education organization dedicated to enriching people's lives through the magic and artistry of opera. The Guild fosters personal expression, confidence, literacy and collaboration in children with customized education programs integrated into the curriculum of their schools and builds a deeper appreciation of opera in adults through workshops and community programs, and by publishing OPERA NEWS, the world's leading opera magazine. Through its unique relationship with the Metropolitan Opera, the Guild offers all audiences unique access to the artists, performances and majesty of one of the world's most renowned performing arts companies. For more information about The Metropolitan Opera Guild and its programs, visit metguild.org.