American Friends of the Zurich Opera House

The Zurich Opera House is the largest cultural institution in Switzerland and enjoys a high reputation far beyond the country’s borders. With over 300 events annually – opera, ballet, classical concerts, recitals – the Zurich Opera House is one of the most productive and renowned cultural venues in Europe. Each season the Zurich Opera House features numerous opera and ballet (world) premieres such as classical concerts and attractive revivals presenting casts with the best singers from all over the world.

The Zurich Opera House is home of the Ballet Zurich and the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera.

Become a supporter

Become a supporter of the Zurich Opera House – a high-class cultural institution based on Swiss quality and precision.

  • Be part of this valuable, exclusive and international network.
  • Share your passion for the arts and connect with like-minded opera, ballet and classical music enthusiasts.
  • Receive invitations to tailor-made events dedicated to opera, ballet and classical music in the US and in Switzerland.
  • Meet the stars and rising stars in person.
  • Enjoy a personal next season-reveal presentation by Intendant Matthias Schulz exclusively for AFZOH.
  • Get to know the team behind the Zurich Opera House and enter the magical backstage world.
  • Be the first: access to the advanced ticket sales – for performances related to the Zurich Opera House in the US and in Europe.
  • Personal service and contact person for all your wishes and enquiries regarding the Zurich Opera House through the Friends Office.

Mission Statement

The AFZOH serve the liaison between the Zurich Opera House (opera, ballet, orchestra) and its American friends. Thereby providing its supporters with exclusive access to tickets, services and high-class events related to the Zurich Opera House.

The AFZOH fosters the artistic partnerships with American artists and singers.

The AFZOH brings together lovers of opera and ballet and classical music – individuals, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and foundations from across America and the globe – to enjoy and support the arts, cultural, educational, and outreach programs of the Zurich Opera House.

The AFZOH enhances the relationship between the US and Switzerland.

Ways to give

If you want to support the AFZOH we are happy to assist. Please get in touch with the Friends Office: americanfriends@opernhaus.ch 

General information: U.S.-based donors can make tax-deductible contributions to the «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)» at Myriad USA. Because Myriad USA is a public charity, within the meaning of Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the IRC, donors may claim the maximum tax benefits allowed by U.S. tax law for their contributions.

Gifts be credit card: There are two ways to give via credit card. First option: If you are planning to make a larger donation, we suggest you to contribute to our Myriad USA Donor Advised or Legacy Fund: «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)». Please contact Brenda Orellana at (212) 713-7660 or brenda@myriadusa.org

Second option: Here you can give online via a credit card anytime. Gifts made online will receive a receipt for tax purposes from Every.org, a 501(c)(3) charity and Myriad USA’s online giving partner. Myriad USA is using Every.org to process ways to give and you will be redirected to their site to complete the transaction. Your donation is made and sent to Every.org, a tax-exempt US 501(c)(3) charity that will grant and send the unrestricted funds to «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)» on your behalf. As a legal matter, Every.org must provide any donations to «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)» on an unrestricted basis, regardless of any designations or restrictions you have made. Note that credit card gifts are received by Myriad USA and credited to funds minus the credit card transaction fees.

Please note: Every.org is a nonprofit organization that will, by default, add a suggested donation to your transaction to support its operations. You are not obligated to make this donation and may reduce it to zero before you finish processing your donation for «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)».

Gifts by check: Address your check to Myriad USA, write «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)» in the memo section of the check, and send it to Myriad USA at 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176.

Gifts by wire transfer: Contact our Myriad USA advisor Suzana Erickson via email at suzana@myriadusa.org or phone (212) 713-7661. She will gladly assist on behalf of «American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH)».

Cryptocurrency, Donor Advised Funds, Bequests etc.: Please find further instructions here.

Donations are critical to the AFZOH’s success in achieving its ambitious goals on behalf of the Zurich Opera House. This includes among others tours and guest performances in the US, young artist exchanges between Switzerland and the US and the support of young American artists in Switzerland (education program). The AFZOH is a not-for-profit organization that raises visibility, expands appreciation and provides support for the Zurich Opera House.

DONATE HERE. THANK YOU!

Advisory Board

Head of Advisory Board
Andreas Kroker, New York (US)

Chairs
Stephanie French, New York (US)
John Turner and Jerry Fischer, New York (US)
James Koch, Zürich (US)

Get in touch

Contact US/New York
Andreas Kroker
andreas.kroker@opernhaus.ch

Friends Office
Katherine Waldvogel
americanfriends@opernhaus.ch

 

Matthias Schulz

Intendant from 25/26

«A strong bond between the two important trading partners, Switzerland and the US, is of great importance. Culture serves as an ideal platform for forging new connections and fostering exchanges. The AFZOH strengthens the relationship between Switzerland and the US.»

Gianandrea Noseda

Chief Musical Director

«I cherish both: the American and the Swiss audience. No matter where I conduct a concert, music as an universal language connects people from across the world. I am delighted the support of the AFZOH enables guest performances of the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera in the US. I can’t wait to meet you all there and share our music with you.»

Cathy Marston

Artistic Director and Choreographer of Ballet Zurich

«Telling stories through ballet is something very close to my heart. Dance communicates beyond language borders; through this wordless yet emotional expression we promote empathy and connection. Thanks to the support of the AFZOH we can nourish our company of international artists with ambitious collaborations that innovate and honor our art form.»

DONATE HERE. THANK YOU!