Tribute to a Great Lady
[Note: Cincinnati Opera general
director Patricia K. Beggs sent out this eloquent tribute the evening
of January 28, 2008 in memory of legendary arts patroness Patricia Corbett, who
died earlier in the day. Mrs. Corbett and her husband J. Ralph Corbett
who pre-deceased her, had an immeasurable impact on Cincinnati Opera
and all the arts in Greater Cincinnati.]
I am heartbroken to tell you that Patricia Corbett passed away quietly
this afternoon. Shortly afterward, I spoke with Monica Nerl, her
longtime assistant and friend, and she asked me to tell everyone it was
a peaceful passing into eternity. Both she and Karen McKim said at the
time, and I’m sure you’ll agree, this marks the end of an era for
Cincinnati Opera, the arts community and the City.
The vision and generosity of Patricia A. Corbett and her husband, J.
Ralph Corbett, over the past half-century have enabled Cincinnati Opera
to grow into one of the finest opera companies in the country. In
addition to making possible our momentous move from Cincinnati Zoo to
Music Hall, they invested significantly in the artistic product,
including funding for 40 productions (sets and costumes), fees for
high-profile artists, and programs to develop young, aspiring singers.
The Corbett Foundation also provided the leadership grant that enabled
us to build the Corbett Opera Center in Music Hall, which we moved into
in October 2004.
Their commitment to the cultural life of the city was visionary and
unmatched. They contributed not only to the quality of life we all
enjoy, but also helped position the arts as an economic driver for the
city’s future success.
What distinguished Patricia and Ralph Corbett’s generosity to
Cincinnati Opera was not just the number and size of the grants, but
the wisdom with which they were awarded. The Corbetts invariably looked
beyond the immediate need in order to focus on what was essential for
the company’s growth and sustainability. With each gift we could count
on a challenge: to be better, to improve our productions, to raise our
artistic standards, to foster innovation, to increase audiences, or to
stretch and grow. As in our most recent grant, the Opera Fusion
collaboration with CCM, there was a nod to the past in tandem with an
eye to present and future excellence.
Patricia Corbett, a professional singer and musician in her own right,
worked tirelessly as an advocate for the arts. She was active on
countless boards and committees, supporting a wide range of worthwhile
projects, and maintained a schedule of arts attendance that would
exhaust the stamina of five people. She was informed, knowledgeable,
committed, strategic and passionate—the embodiment of the most
enlightened philanthropy practiced today.
On a personal note, Pat not only wore the mantle of arts royalty with
great style and dedication, she also had time for the small things. She
knew all the support staff in Music Hall by name – ushers, security
officers, cleaning crew, box office personnel - and remembered them on
holidays; she was a proud honorary member of IATSE Local 5, the
stagehands union; she took the time to graciously chat with our young
choristers and artists; she always made a point to go back to the
kitchen at any event and compliment the chef and crew; and from time to
time, she took a special interest in new, unproven staff members, such
as this formerly wet-behind-the-ears marketing director cum general
director. Over the years we shared great talks about opera, avocations,
age, love, life’s work, and shoes. I will always treasure her mentoring
and friendship.
Brava Patricia Corbett!
All my best,
Patty