Turandot In Florida: More than 150 performers… one of the largest choral and orchestral productions ever!

Don’t Miss the Most Stunning Opera Production Ever in South Florida

Buy Your Tickets Today!

Opera as Grand as It Gets! Puccini’s Last Opera, Unfinished at His Death – An Epic Masterpiece Highlighted by the Aria That Made Pavarotti Famous, “Nessun Dorma.”

The Singers: 

A majestic Turandot will close our opera season— the cast is led by Dominick Valdés Chenes as Calaf (March 26, and March 28) and Jennifer Rowley as Turandot (March 26, and March 28). The cast also includes Yulan Piao as Liù, Adam Lau as Timur, Raymond Diaz as Ping, James Mancuso as Pang, Levi Adkins as Pong, Ray Gonzalez as Emperor Altoum, and Alex Granito as the Mandarin.

Turandot

Click the video to watch a preview of Yessenia Cossio performing as Pu-tin Pao on the Turandot stage

The Story: 

In Turandot, a princess shaped by the ancestral trauma of a violated foremother vows never to marry and challenges suitors with deadly riddles. When prince Calaf solves them, she must confront the one thing she cannot control: her own heart. 

The Sets: 

We are bringing the historical dragon set by Alan Charles Klein, but with a twist of futuristic technology. It is the past and the future meeting in a very poetic way for our beautiful Turandot, under the baton of Jonathan Brandani, authentically born in Lucca, the same place where Puccini himself was born.

Performance Dates

FORT LAUDERDALE | Broward Center for the Performing Arts / Au-Rene Theater

📅 Mar 26 – 7:30 PM
📅 Mar 28 – 7:30 PM

Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

Opera & All Stars with Bernie Williams, Jonathan Tetelman & Friends Presented by Florida Grand Opera

Featuring a special performance by KeShun Freeman, Tommie Harris, Olrick Johnson, Eric Kussin, Katia Reguero Lindor, Bryant McKinnie, Stephon Marbury, Cam Newton, Nathan “NaPalm” Palmer, Stephen Pierce and Darren Rovell

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 8:00 PM

May 6th Concert

This one-of-a-kind concert blends opera, jazz, pop, and the spirit of sports into a dynamic, cross-genre experience. Grammy-nominated guitarist and former New York Yankees legend Bernie Williams joins internationally acclaimed tenor Jonathan Tetelman for a performance that celebrates artistry, discipline, and human connection.

Two extraordinary artists. Two remarkable journeys. One unforgettable evening dedicated to the healing power of music and the importance of mental wellness.

Introducing: Voices of Wellness

Taking place during Mental Health Awareness Month, this concert marks the launch of Florida Grand Opera’s Voices of Wellness initiative—an inspiring program dedicated to supporting emotional resilience, healing, and well-being through music.

Honoring and uplifting:
• Veterans & active-duty military • First responders • Healthcare workers • Their families

Special Guests & Performers

Featuring members of the Pro Players Group, a collective of former professional athletes turned performers, including:

• KeShun Freeman • Tommie Harris • Olrick Johnson • Cam Newton • Nathan “NaPalm” Palmer • Stephen Pierce

With special appearances by:

• Bryant McKinnie • Stephon Marbury • Katia Reguero Lindor • Eric Kussin • Darren Rovell

Be part of something bigger

Experience a night that transcends genres and celebrates the power of music to unite, inspire, and heal.

Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

Dance4Dance 2026 Honoring Dr. Daniel Lewis Presented by Dante Puleio

Mark DeGarmo Dance’s DANCE FOR DANCE (D4D) FOR SOCIAL CHANGE 2026 honors internationally recognized performer, teacher, choreographer and author, Dr. Daniel Lewis, with its “Educational Visionary” Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 presented by Dante Puleio, Artistic Director of the José Limón Dance Company on Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:30-9:00 PM, St. Mary’s Church, NYC’s Lower East Side. D4D-26 Raises Awareness and Funds for Our Dance Education Program Called “A National Model” by the National Endowment for the Arts

WHEN: Thursday, May 7th, 2026 6:30-9:00 PM 

WHERE: St. Mary’s Church, 440 Grand Street (east of Clinton Street) NY, NY 10002 

TRAVEL: The site is one block south of Delancey Street and 3 blocks east of the F, J, M Delancey/Essex subway station. There is municipal parking on Essex St.    

TICKETS, SPONSORSHIPS, & DONATIONS: https://bit.ly/4pJ24vj 

SILENT AUCTION: Coming Soon

Donations by Check: Dynamic Forms, Inc., 107 Suffolk Street, Studio Theater 310, New York, NY 10002

Mark DeGarmo Dance’s Dance for Dance for Social Change 2026 celebrates MDD’s 39th and 44th anniversaries as a leading NYC not-for-profit dance organization dedicated to education, performance, and intercultural community-building. The community event celebrates our 39- and 44-year commitment to provide our evidence-based dance program to the least-resourced public elementary students, schools, families, and communities across NYC. Without our support, funding and dedication our school partners rarely provide evidence-based dance education programs. The celebration includes a presentation with refreshments, a silent auction, a dance lesson, dancing, and students performing.  We honor internationally recognized performer, teacher, choreographer, and author, Dr. Daniel Lewis, with our “Educational Visionary” Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 presented by Dante Puleio, Artistic Director of the José Limón Dance Company.

Dance for Dance is MDD’s annual Lower East Side community celebration that raises awareness and funds to support our vision, mission, and programs. That mission integrates education, performance, and intercultural community through dance. We use dance to engage and empower students. Our program, Partnerships in Literacy through Dance and Creativity, was cited as “a national model” by the National Endowment for the Arts. President Obama commended Dr. DeGarmo and Mark DeGarmo Dance for “your service to your communities and the nation.” Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer designated Nov. 17, 2017 as “Mark DeGarmo Dance Day in Manhattan.” Miss America 2019 Nia Imani Franklin accepted MDD’s Arts Education Advocacy Award 2019.

ABOUT DR. DANIEL LEWIS

Daniel LewisDean of Dance. Mr. Lewis joined NWSA as the founding Dean of Dance in 1987.  An internationally recognized performer, teacher, choreographer and author, he graduated from The Juilliard School in 1967, served on its faculty from 1967-87, and was the Assistant Director of the Dance Department from 1984-1987.  He danced with the José Limón Dance Company for 12 years, originating leading roles and staging works of companies worldwide.  In the first year following the death of Mr. Limón, Mr. Lewis became the company’s artistic director at which time he formed Daniel Lewis Dance, a repertory dance company.  Mr. Lewis’ book, The Illustrated Dance Technique of José Limón (reprinted by Princeton University Press, 1999 from the original Harper & Row, 1984) has been translated in German, Spanish and Japanese.  In addition, Mr. Lewis has published two articles for Medical Problems of Performing Artists, Hanley & Belfus, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 1998 entitled Health Care For Dance Students At A Performing Arts Academy: A Dean’s Perspective and Dancing With A Prosthesis.  His paper, Dance Education in the USA K-12, was presented in 1990 at the International Symposium Munchen in Switzerland and published by Tanztendenz and in the 3/90 and 4/90 issues of Tanzund Gymnastik.  Mr. Lewis’ commitment to the growth of dance in South Florida takes form in his producing of Miami Dance Futures, Inc., which since 1988, in addition to supporting local dance companies, has presented the 1990 Balanchine Conference, 1991 Dance History Scholars’ Conference, and the 1997 American College Dance Festival among others.  Mr. Lewis has served on the Fulbright Screening Committee and as a dance panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. 

ABOUT DANTE PULEIO

A widely respected former member of the Limón Dance Company for more than a decade, Puleio is the sixth Artistic Director in the Company’s 80-year history, a position that originated with Doris Humphrey. After a diverse performing career with the Limón Dance Company, touring national and international musical theatre productions, television and film, he received his MFA from University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on contextualizing mid 20th century dance for the contemporary artist and audience. He is committed to implementing that research by celebrating José Limón’s historical legacy and reimagining his intention and vision to reflect the rapidly shifting 21st century landscape.

ABOUT DANCE FOR DANCE’S HONOREES

Mark DeGarmo Dance has honored over the past 13 years leading USA and global artists, educators, scholars, activists, and outstanding citizens concerned for the well-being of the USA and other world democracies and nations via equitable education and access to the cultural arts of their citizens. “Educational Visionary” Lifetime Achievement Awardees include educational theorist  Maxine Green (2013); actor, writer, director, and Co-Founder of The Living Theatre Judith Malina (2014); classical ballet luminaries Oleg Briansky and Mireille Brianne (2015); dance author, critic, and educator Deborah Jowitt (2016); dancer, choreographer, and dance educator Patricia Aulestia (2017); Inaugural “Arts Education Advocate” Awardee opera singer, composer, arts education advocate, and Miss America 2019, Nia Imani Franklin; and “Dance Ambassador” 2023 Awardee dancer, teacher, director, filmmaker Christine Dakin (2023); “Educational Visionary” Lifetime Achievement Awardees dancers, teachers, directors, and choreographers Phyllis Lamhut & Douglas Dunn (2024); and internationally renowned classical ballet teachers and practitioners, Andra Corvino and Ernesta Corvino (2025); and internationally recognized performer, teacher, choreographer, and author, Dr. Daniel Lewis (2026). 

ABOUT US

Operating since 1982 & incorporated in 1987, Mark DeGarmo Dance is a leading NYC nonprofit dance organization based since 2001 in the Lower East Side at NYC-owned the Clemente Soto Velez Center. MDD’s mission is to educate NYC communities, & especially children; create, perform, & disseminate original artistic & scholarly work; & build intercultural community through dance arts. MDD’s Founder, Executive & Artistic Director Dr. Mark DeGarmo has choreographed and produced over 100 dances and multiple tours in 13 countries. He curates MDD’s Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change in its 16th year that has since 2019 produced 566 dance artists from 23 US states and 31 countries. MDD’s Global Dance Circle for Social Change has since 2020 produced 10 seasons to “hold hands” without recognizing or disregarding global boundaries, borders, and barriers including 805 dance participants from 25 US states and 41 countries. https://markdegarmodance.orgFacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeand Vimeo

image.png
Posted in OPera | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

3-Day International Symposium and Performances

Artistic Research, Higher Education and Technological Innovation in Opera

Project “Music Theater and New Technologies”

3-Day International Symposium and Performances Artistic Research, Higher Education and Technological Innovation in Opera Project “Music Theater and New Technologies”
In ITALIAN and ENGLISH
Day 1Thursday, March 262:30-7:00pm
Click here for information and registration
Day 2 (morning)Friday, March 279:30am-12:30pm
Click here for information and registration
Day 2 (afternoon)Friday, March 272:30-7:00pm
Click here for information and registration
Day 3Saturday, March 282:30-7:00pm
Click here for information and registration
Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

Viva Verdi!

Screening of Viva Verdi! (2024, Documentary, 78 min.)
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • 6:30pmAuditorium, Casa Italiana
Part of the series Adventures in Italian Opera with Fred Plotkin. Oscar-nominated for Best Song, Viva Verdi! is an intimate glimpse into the lives of celebrated opera singers and musicians living out their ‘third act’ while mentoring music students at Casa Verdi (the Casa di Riposo per Musicisti) in Milan, built by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896. The screening will be followed by a conversation with director and co-writer Yvonne Russo and co-writer Christine La Monte.
In ENGLISH
Registration is mandatory. All attendees will be required to present proof of registration upon arrival.
Registration
Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

World Premiere Concert: Le Voci dello Stretto

World Premiere Concert: Le Voci dello Stretto
Friday, March 27, 2026
8:00pmAuditorium, Casa Italiana.
A new one-act opera by composer Roberto Scarcella-Perino on a libretto by Eugenio Refini, featuring four singers, a piano trio, and the Children’s Chorus of the Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi.Sung in ITALIAN
Registration is mandatory. All attendees will be required to present proof of registration upon arrival.

REGISTRATION

Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

Bronx Opera presents MOZART’S ‘IDOMENEO’ 

presents

MOZART’S ‘IDOMENEO’ 
sung in English

(3 performances)February 12, 14 & 15Thursday Feb. 12 at 7:30 PMSat. & Sun.Feb. 14 & 15 at 2:30 PM(no performance Feb. 13)

Lovinger Theater at Lehman College,      250 Bedford Park Blvd. West

Tickets: $40 orchestra; $30 mezzanine. Reservations: our.show/BxOidomeneo
Creative Team:

Conductor: Michael C. Haigler

Director: Benjamin Spierman,

Set Designer: Jim Howard

Costume Designer: Alana Roecker Katt

Lighting Designer: Joshua Rose

Bronx Opera is proud to present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Idomeneo, a high-stakes tale of gods, love, and sacrifice set on the island of Crete in the aftermath of the Trojan War.   Three performances, February 12, 14 & 15 at Lehman College’s Lovinger Theater, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, Bronx NY.   
Performed in English, IDOMENEO will feature a brilliant cast and ensemble, led by tenors James Danner, Matthew Youngblood, and Rashard Deleston (Idomeneo, Arbace and the High Priest, respectively), sopranos Samantha Long and Emma Robertson (Elettra and Ilia), and mezzo-soprano Miastasha Gonzalez-Colon (Idamante).  These artists are coming off recent local, regional, and international performances before joining forces with BxO to perform Mozart’s masterpiece.  
IDOMENEOmarks Bronx Opera’s first production after Michael Spierman, BxO’s founder, stepped back from conducting the company’s productions.  Maestro Spierman has moved into a new role as Artistic Director Emeritus, and continues as Music Director of The Orchestra of The Bronx.  Bronx Opera will celebrate Michael Spierman on Saturday afternoon, March 21st, with a gala at Lehman College’s Studio Theatre.

Mozart was only 25 years old when Idomeneo premiered in Munich in 1781, and was inspired by a Greek drama set on the island of Crete in the aftermath of the Trojan war – a tale of struggles against gods and fate.   The first of Mozart’s mature operatic masterpieces, Idomeneo contains some of the most beautiful music ever written by the composer, combining elements of Italian high drama with the spectacle of French Baroque opera.

THE CAST

Ilia, daughter of King Priam of Troy: Emma Robertson

Idomeneo, King of Crete: James Danner

Idamante, son of Idomeneo: Miastasha Gonzalez-Colon

Elettra, Princess of Argos: Samantha Long

Arbace, Idomeneo’s confidant: Matthew Youngblood

High Priest of Neptune: Rashard Deleston

The voice of the Oracle of Neptune: Gordon Blodgett

Trojan Men: James Cottone, Zachary Tirgan

Cretan Women: Vianca Alejandra, Caitlin Caruso Dobbs

ENSEMBLE

Vianca Alejandra, Gordon Blodgett, John Carr, James Cottone, Caitlin Caruso Dobbs, Victoria Falcone, Troy Freeman-Cheng, Caroline Hawthorne, Christopher Jackson, Regina Krawiec, Elias Levy, Amanda Simms, Zachary Tirgan

The Bronx Opera – Includes profile, performances, ticket information, and children’s program.

For more information, e-mail: BronxOpera@gmail.com

Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

Special Awards at the Bessies, Jan.20 at Dixon Place

About This Show

Dixon Place is proud to host this year’s Bessies Award event. As a Bessie Award–winning institution itself—and with founder Ellie Covan recognized with a Bessie in 1989—Dixon Place has long been a home for bold, innovative dance artists. We are honored to continue this deep connection with the Bessies and to celebrate the extraordinary creators who shape the future of dance.

The New York Dance and Performance Awards, The Bessies, New York City’s premier dance awards honoring outstanding creative work in the field, announced the nominees for the 2024 & 2025 Bessie Awards. The Bessie Awards announcement will be held on January 20 at 7pm at Dixon Place Theater, 161A Chrystie Street, NY 10002.

The Bessie Awards Selection Committee, an independent committee of dance industry professionals, makes nominations. Performances presented from April 1, 2023 until March 31, 2024 AND from April 1, 2024 until March 31, 2025 were eligible for consideration.

Award categories include Outstanding Choreographer/Creator, Outstanding Performer, Outstanding Revival, Outstanding Sound Design or Music Composition, Outstanding Visual Design, and Outstanding Breakout Choreographer. Additional awards are given for Lifetime Achievement, and Outstanding Service to the Field of Dance.

List of 2024 and 2025 Nominees. 

2024 & 2025 Lifetime Achievement &
Outstanding Service to the field of Dance

The 2023–2024 Bessie Awards Selection Committee: Tyler Ashley, PeiJu Chien-Pott, Yoshiko Chuma, Duke Dang, Porshia A. Derival, Gregory English, Hannah GarnerCelia Ipiotis, William Isaac, Anabella Lenzu, Gian Marco Riccardo Lo Forte, Shalewa Mackall, zavé martohardjono, Yoko Murakami,, David Persky, Lynn Schwab, Rakia Seaborn, Alex Smith, Ivan Talijančić, Kate Thomas, Farren Wood, and Nami Yamamoto.

The 2024–2025 Bessie Awards Selection Committee: Tyler Ashley, PeiJu Chien-Pott, Yoshiko Chuma, Duke Dang, Gregory English, Jens Richard Giersdorf, Kyla Gordon, Celia Ipiotis, William Isaac, Raelle Myrick Hodges, Suzzanne Ponomarenko, Rakia Seaborn, Alex Smith, Kate Thomas, Farren Wood, Nami Yamamoto, and Sangeeta Yesley.

The Bessies Steering Committee (2023-2024): Paz Tanjuaquio (chair), Yvonne H. Chow, Stanford Makishi, maura nguyễn donohue, Nicky Paraiso, Craig Peterson, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, george emilio sanchez, and Charmaine Warren.

The Bessies Steering Committee (2024-2025): Stanford Makishi, maura nguyen donohue, Nicky Paraiso, Craig Peterson, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, george emilio sanchez, and Charmaine Warren.


ABOUT THE BESSIES

The New York Dance and Performance Awards have saluted outstanding and groundbreaking creative work in the dance field in New York City for 41 years. Known as “The Bessies” in honor of revered dance teacher Bessie Schönberg, the awards were established in 1984 by David R. White at Dance Theater Workshop. They recognize choreography, performance, music composition, visual design, legacy, and service to the field of dance by independent dance artists and organizations. Nominees are chosen by a selection committee composed of artists, presenters, producers, and writers. For more information about The Bessies, visit www.bessies.org.

DYANE HARVEY-SALAAM TO RECEIVE AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE AND BALLET TECH TO RECEIVE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FIELD OF DANCE 

2025:
GARTH FAGAN TO RECEIVE AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE AND GIBNEY DANCE TO RECEIVE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FIELD OF DANCE


ABOUT DIXON PLACE

An artistic incubator since 1986, Dixon Place is a Bessie and Obie Award-winning non-profit institution committed to supporting the creative process by presenting original works of theatre, dance, music, puppetry, circus arts, literature and visual art at all stages of development. Presenting over 1000 creators a year, this local haven inspires and encourages diverse artists of all stripes and callings to take risks, generate new ideas, and consummate new practices.

The artist’s experience is given top priority through our professional atmosphere and remuneration, and their process is enhanced by our adventurous audiences. With a renewed commitment to racial equity and justice, Dixon Place is a local haven for creativity as well as an international model for the open exploration of the process of creation.
Visit: dixonplace.org


FAQ:

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Here is the transportation link to Dixon Place: https://dixonplace.org/about-us/location/Delancey and Essex Municipal Parking Garage on 105-113 Essex Street & 112-120 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002, is very affordable and is about 5 blocks from Dixon Place, about 7 min walk.

Posted in OPera | Tagged | Leave a comment

AUDITIONS for singers, ensembles (singers + piano), and pianists for the upcoming VIENNA OPERA & ART SONG FESTIVAL!

Apply Today!
BM Global Opera & Arts is thrilled to announce
AUDITIONS for singers, ensembles (singers + piano), and pianists for the upcoming VIENNA OPERA & ART SONG FESTIVAL! 
Date: April 13th-19th 2026. 
EARLY APPLICATION & REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 30. 2026 
*IMPORTANT* : only the singers/ensembles/pianists who register by January 30th, 2026, will have their names and photos placed in the posters and printed media that are distributed in Vienna, Austria, and worldwide.
All other participants who apply and register later will be promoted in the digital and social media channels of the VOA Festival. 
Regular APPLICATIONS & REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MARCH 30 2026 
Late APPLICATION & REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 13 2026 
To apply, please send your CV, video, and photo at: info@boris-martinovich.org 
Welcome!
Posted in OPera | Leave a comment

A HOLIDAY TREAT: “THE  NUTCRACKER AND MARIE”

A new, reimagined Nutcracker for audiences of all ages. Performances December 20-24 in venues in New York and New Jersey


Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 21 at 2 PM & 4:30 PM

Wednesday, December 24 at 11:00 AM

at NY Dance Artistry – Hariyama Ballet, 421 7th Avenue, suite 300,

NYCTickets: Family package (2 adults + 1 child: $55); Adult $25; Students $20; Child (ages 1-12): $10

Reservations: 

https://tnm2025.eventbrite.com

Performers: Aoi Ohno (Brooklyn Ballet), Kieran McBride, Kei Kikuchi (Geki Dans), Misuzu Hirano, Aoi Yagi, Isaki Ohkawa, Sara Shimizu, Lui Nagase, Nanako Nakagawa, Ryoka Matsumoto, and special guests.
Time Capsule Project and Art Couriers International proudly present The Nutcracker and Marie, a reimagined holiday classic for audiences of all ages.  The heartwarming new work invites children and adults to a family-friendly theatrical experience that blends traditional ballet with other dance genres.   In addition to the performance, guests can enjoy holiday crafts and a mini dance lesson – making it a joyful and interactive event for the whole family.
The Production Team includes Seisa Ito, producer Ayaka Kamei Cento, co-producer Ai Toyoshima, director/choreographer/script writer Michiho Shimasaki, production stage manager Andrew Black, script co-writer Tamaki Kadonishi, assistant director Community Outreach Project As part of Art Couriers International’s ongoing mission to make the performing arts accessible and meaningful, The Nutcracker and Marie will also be presented at the Actor’s Fund Home (Senior Living Center) in Englewood, NJ, on Saturday, December 20, at 1:30 PM.
This special outreach performance is not a ticketed event, but part of the organization’s commitment to share the joy of dance with senior communities.
The event will also feature participation from students from the 92NY Harkness Dance Center School of Dance, celebrating intergenerational connection through the performing arts.
More About the Producers Time Capsule Project nurtures and supports the next generation of leaders in the entertainment industry in Japan and New York, while Art Couriers International brings performing arts to senior homes and hospitals.  This production combines both missions, offering performances both in a studio setting and at a senior residence. For more information, please visit: 

https://www.timecapsuleprojectnyc.com/thenutcrackerandmarie

Natsumi Shinohara, marketing director

Posted in OPera | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment