English opera mourns major benefactor, 89
RIPThe death has been announced of Dr Keith Howard, founder of Emerald Publishing and a massive benefactor of Opera North, of which he was president.
Aside from regular contributions, in 2018 he gave more than £11 million towards Opera North’s Music Works redevelopment project, one of the biggest private gifts to opera in Britain.
Opera North says: ‘Keith’s love of opera, his passion for Opera North, and his total commitment to the Company’s success enabled us to embark on the Ring cycle and more recently he stepped up to support our Music Works project with unprecedented generosity. Without his intervention and support Music Works would never have got off the ground and my real sadness is that he was unable to witness the realisation of his and our dream of the Howard Opera Centre and Howard Assembly Room.’
Very sad news when an influential (and very generous) supporter of an arts organisation passes away, at whatever age. RIP sir.