Part of the Voices of Wellness initiative, Voices for Our Heroes celebrates and honors veterans, first responders, military, and medical personnel by providing free tickets, unique opera experiences, and dedicated workshops.

Since 2014, FGO has given over 3,000 free tickets to veterans and first responders. Now, we are formalizing the program and expanding its offerings to make an even greater impact on the lives of those who protect, serve, and heal.

Offerings

Free Tickets

• Access to FGO productions and concerts

• Special FGO performances honoring heroes and their families

Unique Experiences

• Backstage tours and meet-and-greets with artists

• Public recognition during performances

• Opportunities to participate in supernumerary (non-singing) roles on stage

Family Experiences

• An opera-centered VIP cultural weekend in Miami or Fort Lauderdale for heroes and their families from across the U.S. who have experienced loss, injury, or hardship

[Gift Tickets to a family of Four]

[Sponsor a Family Experience]

Also under the Voices of Wellness umbrella, Voices of Resilience (VOR) features culturally competent artists who empower communities through the transformative power of voice, fostering healing and resilience.

Singers receive specialized training from experts in mental health and crisis management, as well as mentorship from veteran opera singers. This preparation enables them to lead FGO Voices of Resilience Workshops and connect meaningfully with those who protect, serve, and heal.

Benefits of Vocal Engagement

• Improves breath control, posture, and muscle coordination

• Reduces stress through vagus nerve stimulation

• Boosts confidence, self-expression, and joy

• Enhances mental clarity and focus

Offerings

• Lead VOR Workshops – Serving frontline heroes, including first responders, veterans, military, and medical personnel.

• Workshops – Engage with and perform for those experiencing crisis, loss, and trauma, harnessing the healing power of music.

• Performances – FGO-certified Voices of Resilience singers receive payment for performances, plus travel and accommodations.

Sponsor a VOR Artist Training (INSERT LINK)

Support a VOR Workshop or Performance (INSERT LINK)

The cornerstone gathering of the initiative, the Voices of Wellness Summit & Concert, will take place each May during Mental Health Awareness Month. This nationally recognized event will explore the intersection of the arts and mental health, highlighting opera’s role in healing and well-being.

Highlights Include:

• Keynote speakers from neuroscience, music therapy, mental health, and the arts

• Workshops such as Music Therapy for PTSD Recovery and Healing Through Opera

• Concerts featuring Voices of Resilience artists, Studio Artists, and international guests

Learn More About The Summit

The Science Behind the Impact

Numerous studies have explored the therapeutic benefits of music, including opera, in medical settings:

• Pain and Anxiety Relief – A large 2016 study found that music can reduce pain and emotional distress, often lowering the need for pain medications.

• Depression Support – Research shows music therapy can improve mood and quality of life for those with depression.

• Cognitive Boost for Dementia – Music therapy has been shown to improve memory, cognitive function, and social connection in dementia patients.

Where every garment tells a story.

Inspired by the acclaimed film The Red Violin—in which a single instrument travels across centuries, carrying the lives, emotions, and histories of everyone who played it—The Opera Closet reimagines this concept for the world of opera.

We recognized a need: formalwear is often worn once, only to spend the rest of its life hidden away in a closet. Meanwhile, young performers, emerging artists, and community members who long to experience the opera often face the high cost of purchasing elegant attire. The Opera Closet gives these garments a second life—and a new stage.

Launching in the 2025–2026 season, the Closet will first serve Studio Artists and CANTO artists, allowing them to borrow formalwear for performances. For many young performers, the expense of performance attire can be a significant burden—often in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. The Opera Closet removes that barrier so they can focus on their craft, training, and wellness.

In the future, the program will expand to beneficiaries of our Voices of Wellness program, giving them the opportunity to attend the opera dressed in style. Dressing up is more than appearance—it’s about confidence, self-expression, and emotional well-being.

Through a special partnership with the Miami Dade Fashion Institute, students will participate in the curation and maintenance of the Closet while gaining hands-on experience from FGO’s internationally acclaimed costume designers and wardrobe team. This collaboration not only preserves the garments but also provides valuable education and mentorship for the next generation of fashion and costume professionals.

Each garment carries a QR code that opens its evolving story:

• A personal message and photo from the donor—whether an individual or a brand.

• Photos and memories from each new wearer.

• A digital record of the garment’s journey, the moments it has graced, and the joy it has brought.

Over time, these garments become like the red violin itself—not aging into obsolescence, but growing richer with every life they touch. They gain a new life, a new story, and a history that can be shared digitally, forever connecting their past to their future.

Your Support Makes the Difference
The Opera Closet thrives on the generosity of our community—those who see beauty in giving, and in seeing their garments bring joy to others. Whether you contribute financially or donate formalwear, you are part of a legacy of style, sustainability, and inclusion. Together, we can ensure that the elegance of opera is something everyone can experience—on stage, in the audience, and in life.

Donate to Financially Support [operacloset@fgo.org]  Learn How to Donate a Garment

Opera is a demanding art form—not only for those on stage, but for the crew, creative teams, and staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring each production to life. Rehearsal days can be long and physically taxing, requiring stamina, focus, and emotional energy. The nature of our work at Florida Grand Opera makes it essential to prioritize health, well-being, and stress management for everyone involved.

Self-Care & Wellness Resources is a growing initiative within FGO’s Wellness & Resilience commitment, providing our cast, crew, and staff with access to education, resources, and workshops that help sustain their artistry and performance over the long term.

We are actively seeking individuals and organizations to volunteer their services and help us grow this initiative into a robust support network for our artists and staff. Wellness services we are looking to incorporate include:

• Massage therapy

• Healthy meal services

• Meditation and mindfulness training

• Yoga and stretching classes

• Nutritional guidance

• Breathwork sessions

• Fitness and mobility training

By caring for the well-being of our people, we ensure that the artistry audiences see on stage is supported by a healthy, resilient, and thriving creative community.

Support Self-Care & Wellness Resources (LINK)

Volunteer Your Services