The World’s Stage. South Florida’s Heart.

A Storied Legacy

Founded in 1941 by visionary tenor Arturo di Filippi, Florida Grand Opera (FGO) is the oldest performing arts organization in Florida and one of the longest-running opera companies in the United States.

For decades, Florida Grand Opera was more than the premiere opera company in the region—it was the place to be seen, a gathering place for the most discerning cultural patrons, and the most celebrated institution in the arts not just in Florida but around the world. It had global reach, with patrons traveling from across the globe to experience its performances. FGO served as a gateway to America for artists from Europe and South America launching their careers.

But over time, the sun that once shone so brightly on FGO began to fade. What was once Florida’s golden child of the arts nearly disappeared.

Opera singer on a the prow of a boat before a backdrop of a sunset over an ocean Opera singer playing a flute with costumed animals at his feet on a stages set. Black and white photos of a male and female opera singers in costume. Women and men on an opera set dancing. Bare-chested opera singer with multicolored wings on a stage set.

A Renaissance Reclaimed

In 2024, a renaissance took hold. Florida Grand Opera is once again capturing the attention of the world. Now under the visionary leadership of General Director and CEO Maria Todaro, FGO is entering a bold new era—honoring the past while fearlessly creating the future. With a revitalized artistic and administrative team, FGO is committed to expanding the art form’s reach while deepening its connection to both the world of opera and the South Florida community.

The 2025–2026 season builds on the company’s 84-year legacy with masterpieces reimagined for a new generation and the introduction of FGO’s new house orchestra under the baton of Music Director Pablo Mielgo. Season highlights include the Florida premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Silent Night, a glamorous South Florida twist on Die Fledermaus, and an epic revitalization of Turandot—building on the momentum of last season’s critically acclaimed Carmen and whimsical Magic Flute.

Florida Grand Opera is reclaiming its place as the cultural heartbeat of South Florida—a stage where greatness is born and legacy is honored.

A Legacy of Legendary Voices

Some may know Florida Grand Opera best for launching Luciano Pavarotti’s U.S. operatic career in Lucia di Lammermoor, but the legacy began well before that moment and continues far beyond. From the golden age of opera to today’s brightest stars, Florida Grand Opera remains a gateway to greatness.

Artists Who Defined FGO’s Legacy:

Montserrat Caballé, Sarah Coburn, Franco Corelli, Dorothy Kirsten, Robert Merrill, Anna Moffo, Luciano Pavarotti, Roberta Peters, Regina Resnick, Renata Scotto, Beverly Sills, Renata Tebaldi, Richard Tucker, Deborah Voigt

And Those Shaping the New Era This Season:

Roberto Alagna, Mark Campbell, Arturo Chacón-Cruz, Dominick Chenes, Ginger Costa-Jackson, Ryan Speedo Green, Netanel Hershtik, Joyce El-Khoury, Aleksandra Kurzak, Adam Lau, Keith Lissner, Pablo Mielgo, Rebecca Nelsen, Louis Otey, Kevin Puts, Jennifer Rowley, Jonathan Tetelman, Pretty Yende, Bernie Williams, Tomer Zvulun

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission:

Pushing opera’s artistic boundaries, fostering the next generation of talent, and creating unforgettable experiences that inspire and connect our diverse community.

Vision:

Enhance, unite, and inspire communities through the power of opera and the human voice.

Values:

Excellence. We strive for the highest standards in all we do.

Transparency. We lead with openness and honesty.

Community. We build meaningful, lasting relationships.

Decency. We act with integrity, generosity, and respect.

Innovation. We embrace creative thinking and bold solutions.

Five Pillars of Purpose

Beyond our MainStage performances, concerts, and events, our mission comes to life through five program areas that educate, inspire, and connect—advancing excellence while positioning opera as a catalyst for healing, innovation, and cultural evolution.

1. Artist Development

Nurturing the personal and professional growth of rising stars with training, mentorship, and career support.

2. Artistic Innovation & Legacy

Where tradition meets bold new ideas—from genre fusion to technology to the preservation of opera’s past.

3. Education & Access

Inspiring a love of opera early on by bringing it into classrooms, curricula, and student experiences.

4. Community Engagement

Meeting people where they are—through free performances, conversations, and cultural collaborations.

5. Wellness & Resilience

Harnessing the healing power of opera to uplift mental, emotional, and social well-being for artists and the wider community.

Black and white photos of a male and female opera singers in costume.
Opera singer playing a flute with costumed animals at his feet on a stages set.
Opera singer on a the prow of a boat before a backdrop of a sunset over an ocean
Bare-chested opera singer with multicolored wings on a stage set.
Women and men on an opera set dancing.