Opera Naples has announced that Timothy Todd Simmons will be the company’s new executive director. Simmons recently served as the Executive Director at the New Orleans Opera and served as the Chorus Master/Assistant Conductor with the San Diego Opera. He is a graduate of the Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and has two Masters Degrees: a Master of Music from Indiana {…}
Opera Naples has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The production will feature internationally renowned conductor Ramón Tebar, Stage Director Chuck Hudson, and an international cast that includes soprano Svetlana Aksenova in the title role, Marianne Cornetti as Amneris, and Gordon Hawkins as Amonasro. In a press statement, Tebar noted, “I’m so excited to present, for the first {…}
It’s a big return for María José Montiel. The Spanish mezzo-soprano, who is recognized throughout Spain, has forged a career in opera, recitals, and concerts and has become one of the country’s most acclaimed classical singers of her generations. But rarely has she traversed the Atlantic to perform in the United States. Her last appearances in the States have been {…}
Opera Naples is set to introduce a new lecture series this year, highlighting works from its upcoming season. The company will open its “A Toast to Opera” series on Nov. 29, 2018, at the Wang Opera Center, taking a look at the company’s upcoming production of “Aida.” The presentation will be done in conjunction with Theatre Zone, which is set {…}
Opera Naples has announced three master instructors to this season’s Opera Naples Academy. This season the Academy will see baritone Sherrill Milnes, Chilean soprano Verónica Villarroel, and tenor Bruce Ford as instructors for the prestigious academy. The Opera Naples Academy gives young singers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a 10-day program of individual vocal instruction and coaching from master {…}
Opera Naples has announced its upcoming 2018-2019 season, featuring an exciting combination of operas, solo performances, chamber music and special events. The season will mark the fifth season with internationally acclaimed Conductor and Artistic Director, Ramón Tebar. “I’m so excited to present a wonderful and varied season for the Southwest Florida community that encompasses many different styles, genres, and events {…}
Opera Naples’ Summer Youth Program is set to present Gilbert & Sullivan’s comedic operetta, “Iolanthe.” “Iolanthe” will be directed by Emily Cuk, who is artistic director for the Eastman Opera collective and she will be partnering with Robin Frank, Opera Naples’ Director of Educational Outreach and Chorus Master, who serves as the musical director for this production. The operetta is {…}
Opera Naples is ready to take their renovations to the next level, thanks to their most recent donation from philanthropists David and Cecile Wang. The Wang family made a generous donation of $300,000 to Opera Naples, which will help with Phase III improvements to the Wang Opera Center. Included in the renovations are 56 additional seats, a professional control booth, {…}
From April 7 -16, students of opera will have the opportunity to study under a number of distinguished instructors at the 2018 Opera Naples Academy. The program, now entering its second year, consists of one-on-one vocal coaching in addition to lectures and classes, all building up to a public performance on April 16. Among the faculty are soprano Veronica Villarroel, {…}
Opera Naples raised more than $445,000 at Opera in the Garden at its annual benefit held on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at Naples Botanical Garden. The funds that were raised at the benefit will support all of Opera Naples’ performances, education, and community outreach programs. The benefit saw more than 200 people in attendance and it included a performance of sunset arias {…}
Opera Naples has announced its first major recital of the recital featuring world-renowned mezzo-soprano MarÍa José Montiel. Known for her interpretation as Carmen, Montiel, will be joined by artistic director Ramón Tebar in a recital that will include French, Spanish and Brazilian songs as well as beloved operatic arias. Montiel has many accolades, including the prize for Best Female Singer {…}