Florida Grand Opera

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) is a premier American opera company based in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Established in 1941 by Arturo Di Filippi as the Greater Miami Opera, it is the oldest performing arts organization in the state of Florida and the seventh oldest opera company in the United States. In 1994, the company merged with The Opera Guild Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, adopting its current name, Florida Grand Opera. FGO has a rich history of hosting internationally renowned artists and has been affectionately nicknamed "The Met South." One of the most notable moments in the company's history was the U.S. debut of Luciano Pavarotti in 1965. The company has also been a platform for many other distinguished performers, including Joan Sutherland, Plácido Domingo, and Beverly Sills, among others. The company is known for its commitment to both classic grand opera and innovative contemporary works, including commissioning world premiere operatic projects. FGO's world premieres have included David Carlson's "Anna Karenina" in 2007, Robert Ashley's "Balseros" in 1997, and Robert Ward's "Minutes Till Midnight" in 1982. It has also presented U.S. premieres such as Gioacchino Rossini’s "Bianca e Falliero" and the final revised version of Alberto Franchetti’s "Cristoforo Colombo." Under the leadership of former General Director and CEO Susan T. Danis, FGO launched the "Made for Miami" series, which presents works that resonate with South Florida's diverse communities. Recent company premieres in this series include Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s "The Passenger," Jorge Martín’s "Before Night Falls," and Daniel Catán’s "Florencia en el Amazonas." The Florida Grand Opera Studio program is an integral part of the organization, providing emerging artists with the opportunity to perform significant roles and participate in educational and outreach programs. The Studio's artists perform principal and comprimario roles alongside acclaimed directors, conductors, and musicians, and they also give concerts and a touring children's opera in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. FGO performs at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House and at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, the company brings opera to a wider audience through its ZIP CODE Tour, which presents performances in non-traditional venues across South Florida. Maria Todaro currently serves as the Interim General Director of Florida Grand Opera, leading the organization in its mission to produce world-class opera and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. With a history marked by prestigious performances and a dedication to the arts, Florida Grand Opera continues to be a beacon of operatic excellence in the American cultural scene.