Florida Opera Theatre is now Opera Orlando with new leadership and direction
Gabriel Preisser was recently appointed Executive & Artistic Director of Opera Orlando.
Don't recognize the name, "Opera Orlando? The Florida Opera Theater became Opera Orlando in January.
“It’s time for opera to once again become a vital part of the greater Orlando artistic landscape,” said John Wettach, President of the Florida Opera Theatre's Board of Directors. "Our entire board has taken on the challenge to lead our organization into a new level of excellence and impact. There will be powerful changes in every aspect of how we do business."
Gabriel Preisser will bring his experience of over 40 operatic and music theatre roles to serve the company in the areas of growth and development, artistic vision and planning, and administration.
Preisser grew up in Apopka. He attended Dream Lake Elementary, Apopka Memorial Middle School, and West Orange High School (where his father was the principal). He currently lives in Winter Garden.
He earned degrees in Vocal Performance and Business from Florida State University and a Master's Degree in Voice from the University of Houston. His experience includes over 40 operatic and music theatre roles to serve the company in the areas of growth and development, artistic vision and planning, and administration.
“It’s time to put opera back in Orlando,” said Preisser. “I’ve been deeply involved with opera for most of my life. Now with the help of the many people who built Florida Opera Theatre, I have the opportunity to be part of something truly exciting in a part of the world that I consider to be my home. Our plan is to reshape the community's idea of what opera is."
To assist him in this vision, Preisser has enlisted the talents of another opera professional, who is also a native Floridian who also studied voice at Florida State University. Vince Connor, who earned his Master's Degree from the University of Arizona, has been named to the position of general director.
The first hint of their handiwork will be on display in the upcoming double-bill of Mozart’s “The Impresario” and Poulenc’s “Les Mamelles de Tiresias.” These Opera Orlando performances will take place April 22, 23 and 24 in the Jim & Alexis Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Ticket information can be found here.
More about Opera Orlando can be found here.
This article was updated at 11:50 AM on 4/16/2016
Information about Preisser's time in Apopka was added.
