The Guild of Florida Grand Opera held their 5th Annual Summer Opera Festival at the Miami Shores Country Club on August 10th. Over 120 attendees (the largest ever for this event) were treated to a preview of the coming season with comments by Justin Moss whose delivery and style are uniquely entertaining and informative, wonderful video excerpts from La Cenerentola (Cinderella), Lakmé, La traviata, and Le nozze di Figaro, a sumptuous buffet brunch, and four selections from the operas performed by soprano Elizabeth Caballero accompanied by pianist Sergio Puig.
Ms. Caballero sang "Ah, fors' è lui" and "Sempre libera" from Act 1 and "Addio del Passato" from Act 3 of La traviata, and closed with "Dove Sono" from Le nozze di Figaro. The privilege of hearing Ms. Caballero, not in a concert hall, but in a private setting, was breathtaking. The audience showered her with extended applause after each selection.
Thanks to the Committee and its Chairman, Charles Adler, for their excellent organization and the smoothness with which the program proceeded, to Justin Moss, to David Yuen who handled the audio-visual presentations, and especially to Ms. Caballero and Mr. Puig for creating such a memorable and beautiful afternoon!