Opera Orlando’s Operazzi Bash: A Smashing Success

Opera Orlando hosted its first annual Operazzi Bash this past October 25 at the Grand Bohemian Orlando. The event, designed to raise funds for the Opera’s education programs including the Opera Orlando Youth Company, was an incredible success, netting over $80,000.  All of these funds will directly offset the cost of the Company’s new rehearsal and studio space used by the Opera Orlando Youth Company, Apprentice Artists, and Studio Artists. 

The event was chaired by dedicated Opera Orlando donor Dr. Francelis Gonzalez, lovingly known as “Dr. G,” who led the fundraiser and event committee, the Aria Circle. “We want to thank each of our sponsors, supporters, and guests who joined us for the Opera’s very first Operazzi Bash. We were thrilled that we reached our goal to support Opera Orlando’s Youth Company and education programs,” stated Dr. G. “These young artists are the future of opera. We are honored to support them not just this year but for years to come.”

Dr. G’s leadership was pivotal to the event’s success which brought in several new sponsors, supporters, and attendees to the Opera. Opera Orlando would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. G and the Aria Circle committee members: Chrissy Toot, Patsy Lamastus, Marianna Rodriguez, Jackie Allen, Beatriz Terrassa, Denee Hickman, and Alyce Bartolomeo along with a special thanks to event sponsors Russo Wine Co., LaBelle Furs, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Tiffany & Co., Sencu Construction, Alyce Bartolomeo, Sundance Architectural Products (SDAP), Linda & Jack Allen, and Walter Bissett & Bernard Foong. Additional support for the event from Neiman Marcus, Grand Bohemian Orlando, SunDance Marketing & Printing, Carilyn Egleé, and Stand Out Consulting, Marketing & Events.

The grand masque theme of the event was on full display as Orange County mayor Jerry Demings and his wife, former congresswoman Val Demings, arrived in stunning coordinated masks and ensembles. Guests enjoyed the beautiful setting of the Johann Strauss Ballroom at the Grand Bohemian Orlando with performances by members of the Opera Orlando Youth Company, Studio Artists, and Grammy Award-winning baritone and  general director Gabriel Preisser, who also hosted the event.

“It was so exciting to see so many new faces come out to support Opera Orlando and our rising generation of artists. We are immensely grateful for the amazing generosity and outcome of this new event, which has helped us secure funds for our new rehearsal and studio space.” stated Gabriel Preisser. “With our new facility, Opera Orlando can continue to offer comprehensive training in all aspects of performance and music, with concentrations in acting and singing techniques, vocal development, and skills that help our artists build confidence and gain practical performance experience.”

The Opera Orlando Youth Company is a professional training program for young singers ages 8 to 18. It currently includes 36 members, all of whom performed in Opera Orlando’s production of La Bohème earlier this month. The Apprentice Artist program offers undergraduate voice students the opportunity to gain professional stage experience with Opera Orlando as well as university credit, while the Studio Artist program is a season-long residency for emerging singers to perform, cover MainStage roles, and receive intensive training in acting, movement, and vocal technique. Both the Apprentice and Studio Artists also appeared in La Bohème, showcasing the Company’s commitment to developing the next generation of opera talent.

Details regarding next year’s Operazzi Bash are forthcoming. Announcements and invitations will be sent by January 1, 2026. For any additional information in the meantime, email Info@OperaOrlando.org. 

Keep the party going, while enjoying a season full of grand opera and special events. Individual tickets for Opera Orlando’s 10th Anniversary season are on sale now and start at just $39 inclusive of all venue fees. Tickets for its MainStage offerings are available exclusively through the Dr. Phillips Center’s Bill & Mary Darden Box Office (445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando), online at www.DrPhillipsCenter.org or by calling (407) 839-0119, ext. 0.

See YOU at the Opera!

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