Georgia Lynn has had lifelong interests in both education and classical music. Her great aunt was a concert pianist and her grandmother a harpist, and Georgia played both piano and flute. When she and her late husband, John, settled in Santa Barbara nearly 50 years ago to raise their four daughters, they discovered the Music Academy of the West, where their interests could flourish. She calls the Academy a “treasure” and a “place that will personally connect you to the creative process, the magic of making music, that is both delightful and transformative for artists and audience alike.”

If there is a job to do, Georgia jumps right in. Her passion for volunteerism has resulted in a many decades relationship with the Academy, making an enormous impact on the organization. “I was inspired by the creative, diverse, and inspirational Academy community to become involved as a volunteer,” she explained. “I first joined the Women's Auxiliary, chairing May Madness. My commitment grew as I became a Vivace Donor and Encore Society member, then a Board member, chairing the Council and Advancement Committees, and joining the Gala Committees. It was fun and rewarding work!”

She shared that investing in the Academy as a Vivace Donor is “exciting, enriching, and prudent, supporting the future of performing arts. I highly respect the administration; the operations model is top level, visionary, and sustainable. The results are apparent in world-class performances and the Academy's far-reaching influence.”

Georgia Lynn has also been a dedicated member of the Compeer Program for many years. “Compeerdom is a most gratifying personal experience, giving the participant an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the fellows' individual creative thoughts, plans, and insights.”

John and Georgia, dedicated opera aficionados, became fast friends with Marilyn Horne. Dear memories include Ms. Horne singing “Happy Birthday” to her, and “Danny Boy” to John on St. Patrick's Day at the Metropolitan Opera Club.

And as a grandmother, Georgia is proud that the Music Academy has had a “profound impact on my family. Our children attend opera, orchestra, and solo performances in New York, even meeting alumni stars backstage. We witness the growth of fellows beyond the Academy with pride and joy.”

We are thankful that Georgia is passionate about the Music Academy of the West and thrilled that she continues to support our work as a Vivace and Encore supporter.