Opera at Florham Marks 35 Years with All-Star Gala Concert and Celebration

In celebration of its 35^th Anniversary, Opera at Florham held an all-star gala at Lenfell Hall, The Mansion at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, on October 15, 2017. Hosted by former PBS and WQXR broadcaster Midge Woolsey, the event honored New Jersey residents James Morris, Bass-Baritone Met Opera Star, and Susan Quittmeyer, Mezzo-Soprano and Rutgers Opera Institute faculty. The afternoon concert featured operatic favorites performed by distinguished singers, soprano Maria Natale, tenor Fanyong Du, and baritone Ricardo Rivera, led by pianist Mary Pinto. Carefully chosen for the occasion, the repertoire consisted of arias and ensembles from La Bohème, I Puritani, Faust, Eugene Onegin, Simon Boccanegra and Le Nozze di Figaro, all Operas the two honorees have sung throughout their careers.

Founded in 1982 as an extension of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Music Department, Opera at Florham began by providing recitals in Lenfell Hall and two annual operas at the campus theatre, Dreyfuss. In 1995, Opera at Florham became a separate, incorporated 501(c)(3) non profit charitable organization. Since then, it has graced the community with world-class, affordable performances by professionally trained operatic vocalists in a variety of settings: Opera recitals, called “Musicales;” fully staged Operas with orchestra; semi-staged Operas in concert; an annual Vocal Competition; and outreach programs.

Opera at Florham presents professional vocalists in recital, concert, and competition from Opera to American Songbook. Its Musicale Series is the only long running Opera recital series in the state of New Jersey. Each Musicale features three accomplished vocalists from across the United States. Artists perform classics and rarities of Opera and American Songbook enhanced by stories, history, and facts about the music. In addition, Opera at Florham presents its Annual Opera at Florham Vocal Competition, honoring founder Violetta DuPont, in which the best young talents in Opera compete for large cash prizes in front of a panel of renowned judges and a live audience. Competition winners regularly go on to achieve decorated international careers. The highlight of the organization are staged Operas, special events that showcase the best of what Opera has to offer: drama, passion, musical excellence, and story. To learn more about Opera at Florham, call 973-443-8620 or visit www.OperaAtFlorham.org.