The Florentine Opera to Celebrate Genre's Greatest Hits with VIVA OPERA!

The Florentine Opera Company's previously announced production and professional recording of Carlisle Floyd's Prince of Players will be postponed to the beginning of the 2018/19 season due to unforeseen logistical challenges. Taking its place is Viva Opera!, a concert of favorite arias, ensembles, choruses, and symphonic pieces from opera's greatest composers.

The majestic power of the Florentine Opera Chorus along with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will join forces on stage together with leading international soloists to delight audiences in a concert of the greatest hits in operatic history. This spectacular concert will feature music from La Traviata, Nabucco, Carmen, La Boheme, The Pearl Fishers, and many more. Works by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and other famous composers will take the audience through centuries of comedy, tragedy and romance.

Nationally and internationally acclaimed opera stars will headline the performance, including soprano Kate Royal, baritone Keith Phares (Sister Carrie 2016, Three Decembers 2016, Elmer Gantry 2010), soprano Rena Harms (Three Decembers 2016, Carmen 2012), the 2017-2018 Florentine Studio Artists, and more.

"While the Florentine Opera has had to postpone its presentation and recording of Carlisle Floyd's new opera, Prince of Players, we will still be bringing opera fans old and new, wonderful opera, that we're calling Viva Opera. Both long time opera fans as well as new-comers, will delight in a veritable smorgasbord of beloved operatic favorites," said General Director William Florescu. "Maestro William Boggs will lead the forces of the Florentine Opera Chorus and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, joined by a stellar cast of soloists, led by world renowned soprano Kate Royal."

Viva Opera! runs March 16 & 18, 2018 in Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Center for the Peforming Arts. Subscribers and single ticket holders who previously purchased tickets to Prince of Players will be reissued tickets to Viva Opera! for the same date and seats as previously booked. Single tickets on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at www.florentineopera.org, by phone at (414) 291-5700 ext. 224 or in person at the Florentine Opera administrative office (926 E. Burleigh St.) or the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (929 N. Water St.). The Florentine Opera receives major support and is a cornerstone member of The United Performing Arts Fund.

The Florentine Opera Company's productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. As a leader in Wisconsin's art community and the nation's sixth-oldest opera company, the Florentine Opera seeks to establish a significant presence in the cultural, educational and civic life of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. The Florentine provides vital arts education experiences for children, nurtures new audiences, and expands cultural horizons for the next generation. The Florentine Opera is a cornerstone member organization of the United Performing Arts Fund and receives funds from Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin (with support from the National Endowment for the Arts), as well as corporations, foundations and individuals. The Florentine Opera Company is an organizational member of OPERA America.