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Orlando Opera

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The Orlando Opera was a professional American regional opera company located in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1958, the company ceased operations in 2009 because of financial problems.[1] The opera performed multiple times a year in the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and other venues in the central Florida region. For many years, until its own demise, the Florida Symphony Orchestra was the orchestra for the Orlando Opera.[2][3][4] The company ceased operations in 2009 because of financial problems.

History

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Orlando Opera's origins can be traced to opera gala benefits sponsored by the Florida Symphony Orchestra. On February 13, 1958, the Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Junior League of Orlando produced the first "Gala Night of Opera." Florida Symphony Orchestra's then Music Director, Frank Miller was quoted "We are in the midst of the biggest season culturally in Central Florida, if not in Florida history."[5] Eventually, the Junior League was replaced by an Opera Gala Guild formed with the support of the Florida Symphony Orchestra.[5] During the company's early seasons, only concert arias were produced and then gradually staged opera scenes were performed. In 1979, Orlando Opera began presenting its own full opera productions.[6] The company typically produced three full opera productions per season.[7][8]

End of operations

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The 51-year-old Orlando Opera did not survive the combined effects of the 2008-2009 Great Recession and its own longstanding financial problems related to significant budget deficits.[1][5] On April 16, 2009, the company announced it would suspend all operations and close its doors due to poor economic conditions.[9] The Orlando Opera's board of trustees voted to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on April 24, 2009. The company had one remaining liability, $200,000 received from subscibers for the canceled upcoming 2009-2010 season.[10]

General Directors

  • Richard R. Owens
  • Robert Swedberg[5]

Conductors

References

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  1. ^ a b Maupin, Elizabeth (23 March 2009). "Orlando Opera may have to abandon next season". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Sad italian tale takes wing in orlando performance". Orlando Sentinel. 17 November 1985. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  3. ^ "FSO Musicians are playing for time, Money". Orlando Sentinel. 18 November 1990. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Drama makes strong showing in 'Susannah'". Orlando Sentinel. 22 March 1987. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e Manes, Billy (10 September 2009). "The Opera is Dead. Long live the Opera". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  6. ^ Zietz, Karyl Lynn (15 October 2024) [1995]. Opera Companies and Houses of the United States A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference. McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 73. ISBN 9781476612034.
  7. ^ "new season of operas may feature subtitles". Orlando Sentinel. 30 May 1985. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  8. ^ Monaghan, Kelly (2004). The Other Orlando What to do When You've Done Disney and Universal. Intrepid Traveler. p. 277. ISBN 9781887140508.
  9. ^ Abbott, Jim (25 June 2009). "United Arts to spend $200,000 to help opera survive in Orlando". Orlando Sentinel. p. 1. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Orlando Opera to file for bankruptcy". Orlando Sentinel. 28 April 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
  11. ^ "Despalj Pavle, F.C.A." Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Alfred Savia" (PDF). Alfred Savia. 15 April 2025. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
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