Opera Orlando

Opera Orlando is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the production and promotion of opera in Central Florida. Established in January 2016, the organization emerged as a successor to the Orlando Opera and the collaborative efforts of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Florida Opera Theatre. Under the leadership of General Director Gabriel Preisser, Opera Orlando was born with the vision of becoming the region's standard bearer for opera. ===History=== The foundation of Opera Orlando can be traced back to the rich operatic tradition in the area, previously served by the Orlando Opera for over half a century. Following the cessation of the Orlando Opera's operations in 2009, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra took on the mantle of presenting large-scale operatic performances for seven seasons. Recognizing the need for a dedicated opera company, Opera Orlando was forged to raise the profile of the art form and generate excitement for its productions. The company's inaugural event was a high-profile fundraising gala held in March 2016 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando. The event was a success, drawing nearly 200 supporters and setting the stage for Opera Orlando's first production—a comedic double bill of Mozart’s "Impresario" and Poulenc’s "Les Mamelles de Tirésias." The organization quickly established itself as a beacon of artistic excellence and community involvement. In the wake of the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Opera Orlando played a pivotal role in the city's healing process by organizing "One Voice Orlando: A Celebration in Song," a benefit concert that raised funds for six charitable organizations.