Opera singer Sylvia McNair wears her love for New Hope on her sleeve
You might say that Sylvia McNair wears her heart on her sleeve. She also displays her connection to New Hope for Families directly on her arm.
An opera singer by training, Sylvia is a natural leader who is willing to get out in front of a crowd and express what is most important to her. New Hope for Families is proud to count her as a true friend and outspoken supporter.
Followers of her distinguished opera career enjoyed her highly acclaimed performances with some of the world’s finest operas and orchestras. From her professional concert debut in 1980, and continuing throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Sylvia’s lovely soprano voice thrilled audiences of the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony, Vienna Philharmonic, and Berlin Philharmonic, to name just a few. With over 70 recordings and multiple Grammy nominations and awards, it is no surprise that she was selected to sing at Pope John Paul II’s 80th birthday celebration!
Following her heart, Sylvia left the opera business after 20 years to pursue singing songs from the Great American Songbook. “This chapter in my professional life brought immeasurable joy,” Sylvia reflected. “Doing music I love, with people I love, in places I love; for me life does not get any better.”
In 2006, Sylvia returned to her alma mater — the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University — to teach, and, more recently, she developed a large and loyal following through her weekly radio program on WFIU, Sylvia and Friends, showcasing her ability to tell personal stories that bring classical music alive for her listeners.
Sylvia is also well-known as a strong advocate for the support of our most vulnerable community members, including children and families impacted by homelessness. It should come as no surprise that, for more than six years, Sylvia has been a generous supporter of New Hope for Families and has encouraged others to do the same. “I’d follow Emily Pike off the edge of a cliff, if she asked. There are no words to describe my admiration.“
Sylvia wanted to do more. She wanted to find a way to show her support that would be visible, yet quiet, elegant and respectful of others. She opted for a tattoo.
“I selected artwork from a New Hope gala program and found a talented tattoo artist who used that as the inspiration for a design on my forearm.”
“I love my tattoo because it is a great conversation starter. When people ask about it, that gives me the opportunity to tell them about New Hope’s mission and why I support it.”
A couple of years ago, Sylvia took the additional step of making a provision to support New Hope through a bequest gift. “A bequest is a great way for me to support my favorite charities,” Sylvia noted. “I retain use of the money as long as I need it. Turns out, getting old is expensive! The bequest gives me the assurance and joy that when I no longer need the money, it will support the causes I love the most.”
For information about how you can leave a legacy for your favorite charity through a bequest gift, please contact Development Director Jim Olsen by phone at 812-334-9840 ext 105 or by email to development@newhopeforfamilies.org or download our free Estate Planning Guide. Rest assured that making a bequest gift is easier, and less painful, than getting a tattoo.