Lynn Wyatt, Houston Grand Opera Life Trustee and long-time member of the board of directors, was recently named a recipient of the 2011 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award.  Sponsored by OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, in partnership with Bank of America, this award honors trustees of U.S. opera companies for exemplary leadership, generosity and audience-building efforts on behalf of their respective opera companies.

“Over many years, Lynn Wyatt’s contribution to Houston Grand Opera has been immeasurable. Her inspirational passion, generosity and commitment have made her the most exemplary of board members,” says Anthony Freud, HGO General Director and CEO. “ I couldn’t be more thrilled that Opera America, through this prestigious award, is ensuring that the nation discovers what Houston Grand Opera has known for a long time: that Lynn is a priceless and irreplaceable treasure. “

An international leader in raising support and awareness for worthy causes, and one of Houston’s most active philanthropists, Wyatt has made it her mission to bring Houston Grand Opera to its maximum artistic potential and to ensure that HGO will continue to innovate the opera world for future generations. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and an active philanthropist, Wyatt has been the vice chair of the Houston Grand Opera Board since 1984 and is a longtime member of HGO’s marketing committee, where she has provided valuable guidance on ways to attract new audiences and expand the demographic of the company’s reach. Wyatt’s husband, Oscar, announced a $1 million donation to create the Lynn Wyatt Great Artist Fund, an endowed fund dedicated to bringing the very best talent to Houston Grand Opera.

OPERA America will pay tribute to the 2011 honorees and celebrate their remarkable achievements at a February dinner and reception in New York City.