Claire Adler smiled broadly, and her eyes sparkled as she related the moment that her 90th birthday party turned from a celebration into an operatic review of her most beloved arias performed live at The Terraces at Bonita Springs by two professional touring opera singers.
The show, held during the pandemic, was a gift from her daughter who knew the joy this performance would bring her mother … as well as to the many residents and staff at the adult LifeCare retirement community that attended the event.
“I told my daughter a few years before,” recalls Claire, “that one should not make a big celebration when a person dies, but rather do it when they are still alive,” recalls Claire. “I believe it is so important. I can’t thank Laurie enough for such a meaningful gift.”
The opera-themed birthday celebration validated Claire’s life well-lived. It was most fitting because for 55 years she and her husband Irwin had devoted their social and volunteer time immersed in a love for the musical arts – most particularly a keen appreciation for all things opera!
Eight years since the passing of her husband, the effervescent 91-year-old resident of The Renaissance at The Terraces continues to possess the energy and lust for life that most seniors 20 years her junior would long to command. For example, her walking gait through the Mediterranean-styled hallways of The Renaissance is a challenge for the best exercise walker.
From a fast-paced walk and an upbeat tour of her apartment’s artworks, you begin to quickly understand how Claire and Irwin managed a seemingly round-the-clock journey through life while raising “three wonderful children.”
“I guess I was fortunate,” recalls Claire. “Irwin had a lot to do with it (especially their immersion in opera).” By the time she and Irwin met in the late 50s, both had been involved in the arts for many years.
Irwin grew up in northern New Jersey and was introduced to music early in his childhood. His father took him to the New York Metropolitan Opera at age 11 where he saw Puccini’s Tosca. He was hooked from then on, even raising enough money for a season ticket to the Met ($43.00 in those early days) by collecting scraps of wood and metal for the war effort.
Meanwhile, Claire was following a path through an education in the arts. Living on the Upper West Side in New York City, she remembers that music – mostly classical and opera – filled her home. She was afforded an opportunity to attend the Art Students League of New York. Founded by and for artists, the school became a place for such prominent artists as Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Norman Rockwell, and Robert Rauschenberg.
Claire’s schooling gave her a far-reaching view and appreciation of the arts. She became skilled in many mediums including painting, sculpting, and drawing. One of her artistic talents – needlepoint – was taught by her grandmother.
Her introduction to Irwin and their marriage in 1959 solidified Claire’s interest and commitment to the arts, particularly the opera. By the time they met, her husband had become passionately enamored with the voice of Italian opera soprano Renata Tebaldi.
The couple lived in the New York City metropolitan area for much of their early married life. They were “regulars” at The Met and saw every one of Tebaldi’s performances. Tebaldi and the Adlers became good friends – so good that Claire and Irwin were guests at her home in Italy. They even joined Renata at a special event given in her honor at the famed Massa Teatro Guglielmi.
Teatro Guglielmi is just one of the dozens of opera theaters visited by Claire and Irwin throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and North America. World-famous Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy was a favorite of Claire’s. She once patronized the opera house on three consecutive days – watching rehearsals and actual performances.
Claire and Irwin became so well-known within opera circles that they were often afforded certain privileges – such as being seated in the King’s Box at Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris.
Yet, The Met was “home” – a place they both volunteered and supported. But summers belonged in the Berkshires of Massachusetts where they enjoyed the sights and sounds at Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox. Eventually, they moved permanently to their summer home.
For 30 years once or twice a week each summer season, Claire volunteered as an usher at Tanglewood events. Her volunteering wasn’t limited to Tanglewood and The Met, but also included the Berkshire Opera Festival and the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, Ma.
Their home, meanwhile, became a miniature music hall with young opera singers – who they had sponsored for studies at Tanglewood – performing recitals. “There were lots of opera singers and classical musicians who visited the Adler home. Claire and Irwin’s accumulation of musical and operatic memorabilia also found a home – the basement of their home which Irwin converted into an opera museum.
The homegrown museum displayed over 500 opera programs from performances that Claire and Irwin had attended, plus artifacts and autographs from many famous opera singers. For Claire, that would include her favorite male opera singers – Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. She proudly points out that she met both singers several times.
Claire moved to southwest Florida following Irwin’s passing. And with her items came a plethora of art, photos, and memorabilia. Among the items displayed in her apartment at The Terraces are several finely woven needlepoint framed works of Tanglewood, and, yes, of opera theaters.
She is visibly pleased with the artwork that dots her apartment. For example, she’s proud of the fine detail in her needlepoint work and the happy memories of a wonderful life well lived.
“I did a little bit of everything,” remarks Claire about her interest in the arts. “I can’t answer what I like best because when you are ‘into’ the Arts there are so many wonderful things to enjoy. For example, the Opera has a little bit of everything in it – ballet, beautiful artistic sets, beautiful clothes, dancing, music, and of course singing. It is just a wonderful world to be in.”
About The Terraces at Bonita Springs
The Terraces at Bonita Springs—a not-for-profit organization that opened in 2013— is a boutique adult living Lifecare community (formerly known as a continuing care retirement community). Featuring a full complement of luxury residence options (Independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care assisted living, and rehabilitative care), The Terraces offers quality, worry-free living. With the support of its parent company SantaFe Senior Living, The Terraces provides unique Life Plan or Rental living choices.
Schedule a community tour and private lunch or dinner today by calling 239-204-3469 or take a virtual tour right now!
The Terraces at Bonita Springs
239-204-3469
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