Opera Orlando Named a Top Ten Finalist for the 2027 Victory Cup Initiative

ORLANDO, FL — October 29, 2026 — Opera Orlando has been selected as one of ten finalists for the 2027 Victory Cup Initiative. The Company advanced from a field of 186 nonprofit applicants across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties after passing compliance review and evaluation by 271 Central Florida judges.

The Opera is honored to share the stage with nine outstanding Central Florida nonprofit organizations: Boys Town Central Florida, CrossTown Ministries, East Coast Zoological Foundation, HOPE Helps, Mead Botanical Garden, Orlando Center for Justice, Osceola Council on Aging, The Kitchen House, and Who We Play For.

Now in its twelfth year, The Victory Cup Initiative supports and empowers nonprofits across Central Florida. “Once we saw the scores come in, it was fun to see the clear winners in their categories, some of which had applied many years in a row,” says Erin Zanotti, director of communications for The Victory Cup Initiative. “For some, the stars were finally aligned and this is their year to shine.”

The requested Victory Cup Initiative funding will expand Operalogie, the Company’s interconnected education and artist-development ecosystem, creating opportunities for young singers to discover, develop, and pursue their artistic potential at different ages and stages.

"Talent is everywhere. Access is not,” stated Opera Orlando’s education director Sarah Purser. “The arts are not a luxury or an extra. For so many young people, they are a lifeline. They provide a place to belong, a community where they are seen and valued, and a reason to keep showing up. Through music, young people build confidence, find connection, and discover that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Operalogie is about more than developing great singers. It's about creating opportunities, building community, and making sure more young people experience the life-changing power of the arts."

Operalogie brings together the Opera Orlando Youth Company, SINGS!, LAUNCH, Apprentice and Studio Artist programs, and the Florida District of the Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. Together, these programs create a continuum of artistic development, offering education, mentorship, performance opportunities, and professional training for singers ages 8 through adulthood. By connecting early exposure to advanced training and career development, Operalogie nurtures the next generation of artists while expanding access to the performing arts throughout Central Florida..

Opera Orlando will present its story alongside its nine fellow finalist organizations at the twelfth annual Victory Cup Story Showcase Breakfast on Tuesday, February 23, 2027 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at VictoryCupInitiative.org.

ABOUT THE VICTORY CUP INITIATIVE

Now in its twelfth year, The Victory Cup has grown into a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering nonprofit leaders across Central Florida. Its signature event–the Story Showcase Breakfast–introduces the community to ten remarkable nonprofits each year, expanding the circle of organizations served. In addition to this, The Victory Cup supports more than 100 nonprofits annually through its Alumni Programs, Summer Conference, and

year-round networking opportunities that foster collaboration, learning, and growth.

ABOUT OPERA ORLANDO

Opera Orlando produces opera in Central Florida — fully, seriously, and for everyone. Now in its eleventh season, the Company presents MainStage productions, educational programs, and community performances rooted in the conviction that this art form belongs to this city. Opera Orlando's Youth Company program and Apprentice and Studio Artists programs develop the next generation of opera talent for and from within the community it serves. (OperaOrlando.org)

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