Tina Vidal-Duart’s Bold Vision for the Florida Grand Opera
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In the realm of the arts, few endeavors carry the weight of tradition and cultural significance quite like opera.
For Tina Vidal-Duart, newly appointed Chair of the Florida Grand Opera, this art form represents not only a personal passion but also a mission to preserve and evolve a centuries-old tradition in the vibrant city of Miami. In an exclusive interview, Vidal-Duart shares her journey, vision, and the challenges ahead for one of Miami’s most cherished cultural institutions.
Vidal-Duart’s passion for opera traces back to her childhood, where she developed a love for classical music while playing the piano. However, it was the viewing of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata,’ often referred to as ‘The Original ‘Pretty Woman” that sparked her love for opera. Since that moment, she began purchasing season tickets for herself, deepening her connection with the art form. This dedication led her to become an avid patron and eventually a board member when the organization invited her to join approximately six years ago, in an effort to attract a younger board and promote diversity.
Her involvement with the Florida Grand Opera over the years is not just a personal passion but a commitment to safeguarding a vital aspect of Miami’s cultural identity. Reflecting on her early experiences attending opera performances in her twenties, she fondly recalls how these events were the epitome of sophistication and cultural significance in Miami.
“I loved getting dressed up and going to the opera in my early 20s. Back then it was 'the' event in Miami. ”
Her vision for the Florida Grand Opera is ambitious and bold. She aims to create immersive experiences, incorporating elements of other musical genres but also leveraging technology to enhance the opera-going experience. Central to her mission is engaging younger demographics often overlooked in traditional opera circles. Vidal-Duart believes that exposure is key, debunking the misconception that opera is exclusively for older generations. By incorporating cometary music and innovative collaborations, she aims to bridge the gap between opera and pop culture, inviting new generations to discover its beauty and power.
“ In the mind of younger generations opera is for their grandparents, we want to change that. There are incredible collaborations that we can do that honor the opera art form while appealing to younger audiences. ”
During the 82nd Florida Grand Opera Gala held on March 16th, 2024, at the Temple House in Miami Beach, FL. Vidal-Duart provided a glimpse into her visionary approach by orchestrating a collaboration with winner of MTV’s “Becoming a Pop Star,” Samy Hawk and Joseph McBrayer, a tenor studio artist at Florida Grand Opera. Together, the artists provided a mesmerizing duet performance accompanied by ballerinas dressed in illuminated tutus dancing in perfect synchrony to the music, setting the stage for the innovative direction of the opera’s future.
As Vidal-Duart unveiled the new direction for the Florida Grand Opera at the 82nd Florida Grand Opera Gala, she acknowledges the challenges ahead. Fundraising remains a formidable task, particularly in a region where philanthropic giving is not as robust as in other parts of the country. Donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations are largely concentrated in the Northeast and West Coast, leaving South Florida communities with comparatively fewer resources. This poses a significant fundraising hurdle for not-for-profit organizations, including those in the arts and culture sector. She underscores the importance of raising awareness about the invaluable contributions of cultural and arts organizations in South Florida and attracting more support from local corporations and foundations.
Beyond her role at the Florida Grand Opera, Vidal-Duart is deeply committed to philanthropy. Alongside her husband, Carlos Duart, she supports initiatives at her alma mater, Florida International University, focusing on empowering first-generation students and advancing partnerships in healthcare. Additionally, she champions causes related to women, children, and animal welfare, embodying a spirit of giving that extends far beyond the stage.
With a bold vision and unwavering passion Tina Vidal-Duart stands poised to lead the opera into a new era, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
