Details

Donald H. Wonder, a distinguished professional musician and antiquarian, was born in 1938 in Berkeley, California. Although initially pursuing a career in classical music, his fascination with ancient art was ignited at the age of 18 when he acquired his first piece—an Egyptian scarab. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for collecting and delving into the narratives woven within ancient artifacts. While studying music at the University of California, Berkeley, he simultaneously nurtured his growing interest in antiquities. After graduating in 1961, Wonder continued his academic pursuits, enrolling in the MA program at San Francisco State University. Throughout his career as a remarkable tenor, he balanced his musical endeavors with a dedicated exploration of ancient civilizations, particularly Egypt, which became a focal point of his collecting journey.

Following his relocation to Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1966, Wonder and his wife, Patti “Tresha” Kelly, immersed themselves in the vibrant arts scene of New York City. Despite their commitment to musical theater and opera, Wonder’s passion for ancient art persisted. Building on his network within the theater and opera community, he cultivated relationships with auction houses, antiquities dealers, and collectors. This network, coupled with his extensive travels during his tenures with Boris Goldovsky’s Opera Theater (1963-1966) and the musical “Evita” (1980), provided him with invaluable opportunities to acquire and study ancient artifacts. Subsequently, Wonder established himself as a prominent figure in the antiquities market, operating under the business title “Arts of Ancient Civilizations.” His unwavering dedication to collecting persisted beyond his retirement from teaching music, remaining active until his passing in 2023. As his legacy lives on, his beloved wife endeavors to share his remarkable collection with fellow enthusiasts through a series of auctions at Freeman’s | Hindman, ensuring that Wonder’s passion for ancient art continues to inspire for generations to come.