Gulfshore Opera in Naples, Florida has announced its “Carmen Gala” scheduled for March 23, 2021.

The annual gala concert, which will feature local artists, was originally scheduled for Feb. 28, 2021, and was set to feature Irish tenor Anthony Kearns. However, Kearns was unable to participate due to restrictions on international travel as a result of COVID-19. The company was thus forced to readjust its plans for the annual gala. The choice was to seek out another international artist, but that plan was also held up for similar reasons.

But on the third attempt, the company opted for a different approach altogether.

“I called my most trusted New York agents and told them that I have 24 hours to come up with a new gala plan and I need top-level talent that is in Florida, driving distance from us,” stated Steffanie Pearce, General Director of Gulfshore Opera.

That top level talent will include mezzo-soprano Elise Quagliata, tenor Adam Diegel, and baritone Jean Carlos Rodriguez. The open-air concert will focus on Bizet’s famed masterpiece “Carmen” with the three soloists performing excerpts from the work.