Gen. William Lyon’s foundation has pledged $5 million to the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s $200 million expansion campaign.
The gift from the General and Mrs. William Lyon Family Foundation brings the center’s fund-raising total to $138 million.
Lyon, 83, is chairman and chief executive of Newport Beach-based homebuilder William Lyon Homes Inc.
The Costa Mesa arts center is set to debut the 2,000-seat Ren & #233;e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and 500-seat Samueli Theater on Sept. 15 and Oct. 14, respectively.
“It is our honor to support this important project, which will have long-lasting benefits for generations of Orange County’s residents,” Gen. Lyon said in a release.
The expansion will boost the center’s performances and educational programs, said Roger T. Kirwan, co-chair of the its fund-raising campaign.
The opening of the 250,000-square-foot center is set to star Pl & #225;cido Domingo, with Carl St.Clair conducting the Pacific Symphony.
The Lyon foundation will be added to the Circle of Honor in the Cesar Pelli-designed concert hall. Donors of $5 million or more will be recognized in the main lobby space.
Gen. Lyon was chairman of the center’s board from 1990 to 1993. He is a member of the executive committee of its board of directors.
