In August, Florida Grand Opera will be showcasing its administrative staff in a special event called "Staff Sing," as announced in an official press release. The concert will feature several talented singers from the company's administrative team, including Susana Diaz, the soprano and Director of Finance, Lauren Frick, the mezzo-soprano and Artistic Administration and Finance Associate, Cindy Sadler, the contralto and Marketing and Communications Manager, Peter Rivera, the tenor and Development Associate, Matt Cooksey, the baritone and Director of Artistic Operations, Neil Nelson, the bass-baritone and Samuel M. Townsend Studio Artist Manager, along with pianist Paul Schwartz. The performances are scheduled for August 12 and 19, starting at 7:30 p.m. local time.
The first concert will take place at the Florida Grand Opera Office located at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, while the second one will be held at the Doral Opera Center. The program, lasting approximately 75 minutes, will feature a collection of arias, songs, and ensembles from renowned works like "Carmen," "Candide," "Rigoletto," "Die Fledermaus," "The Pearlfishers," and "Faust," among others.
According to Susan T. Danis, the company's General Director and CEO, the Staff Sing came out of a brainstorming session. "I have always enjoyed working with singers that have chosen to take on administrative roles at opera companies. They bring a special passion to what they do. FGO is so fortunate to have six outstanding professional singers on our administrative team. Their willingness to give a benefit concert to kick off our 82nd season is just wonderful and a real treat for South Florida audiences."