Orlando Opera
| Company type | Regional opera company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Performing arts |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida , United States |
Area served | Central Florida |
Key people | Richard R. Owens (General Director), Robert Swedberg (General Director), Frank Miller (Conductor), Pavle Despalj (Conductor), Alfred Savia (Music Director 1980–1983), Cornelius Eberhardt (Conductor), William Huckaby (Conductor), Anton Coppola (Conductor), Karen Keltner (Conductor), Doris Lang Kosloff (Conductor) |
| Products | Opera performances |
The Orlando Opera was a distinguished American regional opera company located in Orlando, Florida. Established in 1958, the organization discontinued its operations in 2009 due to ongoing financial challenges. The company regularly presented several performances each year at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre as well as other venues throughout central Florida. Up until its closure, the Florida Symphony Orchestra frequently provided orchestral accompaniment for the Orlando Opera.
History
The origins of Orlando Opera trace back to benefit gala concerts organized by the Florida Symphony Orchestra. On February 13, 1958, the Florida Symphony Orchestra collaborated with the Junior League of Orlando to produce the inaugural "Gala Night of Opera" event. Frank Miller, then Music Director of the Florida Symphony Orchestra, referred to this as "the biggest season culturally in Central Florida." Subsequently, the Junior League was succeeded by an Opera Gala Guild supported by the Florida Symphony Orchestra. Initially concentrating on concert arias and staged excerpts, Orlando Opera transitioned to full-scale opera productions beginning in 1979. Typically, the company mounted three complete productions each season.
Termination of operations
After 51 years of activity, Orlando Opera halted operations as a result of financial strains exacerbated by the 2008-2009 Great Recession. On April 16, 2009, the organization announced it was suspending all performances and closing due to unfavorable economic conditions. The board resolved to initiate Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings on April 24, 2009, facing outstanding obligations totaling $200,000 from subscribers for the canceled 2009-2010 season.
General Directors
- Richard R. Owens
- Robert Swedberg
Conductors
- Frank Miller
- Pavle Despalj
- Alfred Savia, Music Director from 1980 to 1983
- Cornelius Eberhardt
- William Huckaby
- Anton Coppola
- Karen Keltner
- Doris Lang Kosloff