Ginger Karren
Ginger is a retired opera and stage performer, and has been a devoted friend and supporter of Lincoln Center for over 50 years. The performing arts have played a significant role throughout Ginger's whole life. Arnold Volpe, Ginger's grandfather, was an eminent Russian-American composer and violinist who was the founding conductor of the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra and also founded the Lewisohn Stadium Concerts, a series of open-air symphonic concerts in Manhattan. His wife, Marie Volpe, managed the orchestra for 40 years. Following her graduation from Connecticut College in 1952, Ginger studied voice at the Juilliard School, and was in attendance at Lincoln Center's Groundbreaking Ceremony in 1959. After performing in various musical theater and operatic ensembles throughout the country and founding the Opera Guild of San Antonio, Ginger returned to Manhattan where she became friendly with Beverly Sills, ran the gift shop at New York City Opera, and became a member of our Bravo Society. Lincoln Center is most grateful to Ginger for her enthusiasm for the performing arts and for her longstanding patronage.