Florida Grand Opera celebrated its 82nd Anniversary at the enchanting ‘What Would You Do For Love’ Gala. The evening, hosted at The Temple House, symbolized a remarkable milestone in South Florida’s cultural landscape, weaving together patrons, sponsors, and artists for an immersive exploration of the senses, entwining taste, scent, sound, and beyond.

Tina Vidal-Duart, Chair of FGO, underscored the organization’s profound history and the boundless potential that awaits the opera, culture, and arts in South Florida. Mrs. Vidal-Duart’s remarks echoed the significance of community unity and support, extending heartfelt appreciation to the Gala Committee, Board of Directors, FGO staff, and artists for their unwavering dedication and diligence. Alongside her husband Carlos Duart, she pledged to match all donations and pledges made during the Gala and throughout 2024, up to $2 million, ensuring the enduring vitality and evolution of opera and the arts in South Florida.

“In our vision for Miami, we aim for it to be renowned not just for its beaches but also as a global cultural center,” said Ms. Duart-Vidal.  “FGO’s commitment to innovation while honoring tradition reflects our dedication to shaping the community and creating a more collaborative culture and arts scene in the South Florida Community. With your support, we see boundless possibilities ahead, driven by our shared passion for opera’s transformative influence. Let’s come together to create lasting memories, appreciate opera’s profound gift and embrace FGO’s future.”

Maria Todaro, General Director of FGO, illuminated her vision for the organization’s future, emphasizing opera’s transcendent ability to uplift spirits and foster unity. She pledged to infuse elegance, thought-provoking and cultural richness into every facet of FGO’s productions.

“It’s an invitation to all to embark on a transformative journey together, for in the vibrant tapestry of South Florida, we find the canvas for our shared aspirations. With a commitment to elegance, culture, and originality, we shall craft immersive adventures that transcend mere performance, stirring hearts and minds alike. Through opera’s timeless allure, we build bridges of unity, fostering introspection and upliftment. As we sow seeds of healing and enrichment, let us ignite a fervor for the arts that reverberates far beyond our borders. With unwavering support, the future of Florida Grand Opera unfolds.”

During the evening Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Oliver Gilbert, Chairman of the County Commission, and Maria Laura Leslie, Director of Cultural Affairs were recognized for their steadfast dedication to the arts, which has played a pivotal role in sustaining FGO’s legacy and nurturing cultural vibrancy throughout the region. Legendary entertainment icon Don Francisco was recognized on behalf of FGO by Latin personality and FGO Ambassador, Sissi Fleitas, honoring his advocacy for culture and the arts. Special guests included Baritone Steven LaBrie and Tenor David Miller from the multi-national classical crossover group Il Divo; Sarah Joy Miller, American soprano and actress; Miss Florida, Juliette Valle and Miss Miami Beach, Elle Kennedy.  The audience was brimming with celebrities and influencers, among them NFL players Byron Jones, Jonnu Smith, and Johnathan Cyprien, along with prominent TV personalities, social media influencers, and the elite of South Florida’s investment banking community. VIP clients from prestigious luxury brands such as Balmain, Dior, and Valentino were also in attendance, adding to the glitz and glamour of the event. Attendees were enraptured by captivating performances with 360-degree digital projections that transfixed the audience.  Artists included Samy Hawk, the Venezuelan-born hip-hop, rap, and EDM artist; Laura León, the Cuban soprano; Radmila Lolly, the Billboard chart-topping singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and FGO Board Member; and Joseph McBrayer, FGO Studio Artist tenor, featured as ‘Beppe’ in I Pagliacci. These performances served as a poignant testament to FGO’s vision for the future creating more immersive opera experiences. The evening would not have been possible without the support of the Gala Committee, Sissi Fleitas, Radmila Lolly, Robin Loof, Sandra Savini and Patrice Tedescko.

The evening was made possible through the generous sponsorship from Edition Residences, Filippo Berio, FIU Bacardi Center of Excellence, Penfolds, PNC Bank, Anthony Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman Miami-Dade County Commission, District 10, and Robert Werner.

About Florida Grand Opera

Florida Grand Opera produces classic grand opera, contemporary works, and new commissions in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Founded in 1941 as the Opera Guild of Greater Miami by Arturo Di Filippi, it merged with the Opera Guild of Fort Lauderdale in 1994 and is now under the direction of Maria Todaro. Florida Grand Opera was the first producing arts organization in the state of Florida and is the seventh oldest opera company in the United States. The Florida Grand Opera Studio Artists program trains opera stars of tomorrow on the skills necessary to develop a successful opera career learning from world-class artists starring on the FGO stages. To learn more visit www.fgo.org or engage with FGO on social: IG, X and Flickr @FGOpera and on FB and YouTube @FloridaGrandOpera.