{ HISTORY }

Header image: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) was founded in 2012, gave its first performance in 2013, and secured non-profit status in November 2016. FLO is committed to the professional creation and production of opera in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region with a roster of mainstage and emerging young artists drawn from diverse regions and backgrounds. Through engagement and accessibility, FLO adds value to the cultural and economic landscape of the community.


Initially an organization that provided two-three performances in the summer only, FLO has grown to serve the community year-round with a festival of programs offered every summer and engagement programming delivered from February – November.


The 2023 season marks the culmination of FLO’s 10th year of performing. The company has over 30 engagement events planned (in-school visits, performances at elder care homes, collaborative events with community groups, etc.) and a summer festival that features Verdi's grandest opera: Aida.


A vital part of FLO’s mission is to train the next generation of singers. Founded in 2018, FLO’s young artist program initially operated as pay-to-sing (participants had to pay tuition). In late 2019, FLO received a large gift to help transform the program. The impact of the initial gift was realized immediately when applications to FLO’s young artist program jumped from 80 to 250 in one year and the company received Professional Company Member status with OPERA America in November 2019. As the program continues to gain recognition and legitimacy throughout the industry, nearly 500 applications were received for the 2023 program.


The following is a listing of productions and principal artists, designers, and directors since FLO’s inception.

2023 SEASON

Photo: ©Kelly Kester

AIDA

BY GIUSEUPPE VERDI

The quintessential love story set against a backdrop of war among the Egyptians and Ethiopians makes for one of the most wildly loved operas of all time. Marking the official return to indoor, mainstage opera, FLO's production of Aida was awe-inspiring! 

​Elena O'Connor, AidaDeborah Nansteel, AmnerisCooper Nolan, RadamesMichael Preacely, King AmonasroJoseph Barron, Ramfis
Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorStephanie Havey, stage directorDerek Van Heel, lighting design
Photo: ©Kelly Kester

TWO CORNERS WORKSHOP

BY B.E. BOYKIN & JARROD LEE

Finger Lakes Opera presented a workshop performance of Two Corners, giving audiences their very first glimpse of a brand new opera! Commissioned from composer B.E. Boykin and librettist Jarrod Lee, the opera's story of fighting against racial inequity is endlessly important.

Kearstin Piper Brown, FlorineAnna Donnelly, SarahKaswanna Kanyinda, JuliaHolden Turner, HollisEllen Robertson, WinniePedro Valdez, Radio Announcer/TV ReporterConor Brereton, Ken/Hobart/JFK
B.E. Boykin, composerJarrod Lee, librettistCori Ellison, dramaturgKimille Howard, stage directorGerard Floriano, conductorBrock Tjosvold, piano
Photo: ©Kelly Kester

SUMMER SCENES: A NIGHT IN ITALY

The 2023 Young Artists dazzled audiences with some of the most beloved scenes and arias from Italian opera, including La bohème, Aida, and more!

Anna Donnelly, sopranoGoitsemang Lehobye, sopranoEllen Robertson, sopranoKaswanna Kanyinda, mezzo-sopranoAlexandra Sanchez, mezzo-sopranoConor Brereton, tenorMichael Celentano, tenorPedro Valdez, tenorSteven M. Warnock, baritoneCasey Germain, bass
Stephanie Havey, stage directorJason Alexander Holmes, music directorCris Frisco, piano

2022 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's 10th Anniversary Concert
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Officially kicking off FLO's 10th Anniversary Season (ending with 2023's production of Aida), this spectacular multi-media event highlighted lots of incredible performers and repertoire from FLO's past, present, and future!

​Elena O'Connor, sopranoDeborah Nansteel, mezzo-sopranoYi Li, tenorMichael Preacely, baritone
Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorMona Seghatoleslami, emcee
Finger Lakes Opera's production of Cosi Fan Tutte
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

COSÌ FAN TUTTE 

BY WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

A fun one-act rendition of a Mozartian classic, Così fan tutte excited audiences at the Memorial Art Gallery. Two couples sign up for a game show, and two entirely different couples emerge!

Robert Hartfield, FerrandoGeoffrey Schmelzer, GuglielmoJeremy Harr, Don AlfonzoDanielle Beckvermit, FiordiligiErika Vasallo, DorabellaKayla Oderah, Despina
Jenny Choo Kirby, pianoGerard Floriano, music directorStephanie Havey, stage directorMary Farmer, costume designerRebecca Sealander, lighting coordinator
Finger Lakes Opera's An Evening With Cree Recital
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

AN EVENING WITH CREE

​Last seen on FLO’s mainstage as Adele in the 2018 production of Die Fledermaus, sassy soprano Cree Carrico was joined by Music Director Aaron McAllister for an unforgettable evening of song and story featuring the legends of musical theater including Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bernstein, Sondheim, and more.

Cree Carrico, sopranoAaron McAllister, music director
Finger Lakes Opera's Summer Scenes Production
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

SUMMER SCENES: SUMMER OUT LOUD

A delightful evening of food, drinks, and the 2022 Tomita Young Artists performing some of opera's most beloved scenes.

Danielle Beckvermit, sopranoKayla Oderah, sopranoErika Vasallo, mezzo-sopranoRobert Hartfield, tenorGeoffrey Schmelzer, baritoneJeremy Harr, bass
Jenny Choo Kirby, pianoGerard Floriano, music directorStephanie Havey, stage directorMary Farmer, costume designer
Finger Lakes Opera's Sundays Out Loud Recital
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

SUNDAYS OUT LOUD RECITAL SERIES

The 2022 Tomita Young Artists were featured in a series of intimate recitals at the Eastman School of Music's Hatch Recital Hall. 

Danielle Beckvermit, sopranoKayla Oderah, sopranoErika Vasallo, mezzo-sopranoRobert Hartfield, tenorGeoffrey Schmelzer, baritoneJeremy Harr, bassJenny Choo Kirby, piano
Finger Lakes Opera's Production of Pinocchio
Photo: ©Jackson Burns

PINOCCHIO 

BY JOHN DAVIES

Presented publicly at the Strong Museum of Play and then brought on the road for a dozen performances in local elementary schools, Pinocchio is a children's opera with familiar tale and a musical twist.

Erika Vasallo, ​Cat/NarratorMatthew Campisi, GeppettoStarletta Noll-Long, Lady in Blue & OlympiaAnders Namestnik, PinocchioRobert Riordan, Wolf/Dr. Dulcamara
Jenny Choo Kirby, pianoEmily Cuk, stage directorKasi L. Krenzer Marshall, costume designer 

2021 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of The Barber of Seville
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

BY GIOACHINO ROSSINI

Acting as a sort of prequel to Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, The Barber of Seville, is a hilarious, fast-paced comedy. FLO's production was set in an urban playground, drawing inspiration from the outdoor pavilion venue.  

Jonathan Michie, FigaroTaylor Raven, RosinaCarlos Enrique Santelli, Count AlmavivaJoseph Barron, Bartolo
​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorStephanie Havey, stage directorCharles Murdock Lucas, scenic designDerek Van Heel, lighting design
Finger Lakes Opera's Opera Hits Concert
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

OPERA HITS!

Featuring the amazing 2021 Tomita Young Artists, Opera HITS! was the perfect opportunity to hear all the best opera arias and musical theatre songs in one night. 

Veena Akama-Makia, mezzo-sopranoDanielle Bechvermit, sopranoNathaniel Catasca, tenorJongwon Choi, baritoneImara Miles, mezzo-sopranoJohn Allen Nelson, baritoneRobert H. Riordan, baritoneDavid Soto Zambrana, tenorRobin Steiz, soprano
​Finger Lakes Opera Orchestra​Gerard Floriano, conductor
Finger Lakes Opera's Summer Scenes production
Photo: ©Kelly Kester

SUMMER SCENES​: MAKE OUR GARDEN GROW

This evening featured an evening of good food, better wine, and the best opera scenes performed by the 2021 Tomita Young Artists.

Veena Akama-Makia, mezzo-sopranoDanielle Bechvermit, sopranoNathaniel Catasca, tenorJongwon Choi, baritoneImara Miles, mezzo-sopranoJohn Allen Nelson, baritoneRobert H. Riordan, baritoneDavid Soto Zambrana, tenorRobin Steiz, soprano
Natasha Talukdar Elam, pianoEdward Forstman, pianoStephanie Havey, stage director
Finger Lakes Opera's production of The Three Little Pigs
Photo: ©Kelly Kester

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS 

BY JOHN DAVIES

Featuring music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Three Little Pigs tells the story of siblings Despina, Cherubino, and Don Giovanni as they try to build wolf-proof houses. 

Danielle Beckvermit and Rose Kearin, DespinaVeena Akama-Makia and Victoria Thomasch, CherubinoJohn Allen Nelson, Don GiovanniRobert H. Riordan, Wolfgang Bigbad
Natasha Talukdar Elam, pianoEmily Cuk, stage directorKasi L. Krenzer Marshall, costume designer 
Finger Lakes Opera's Dazzling Debut Recital
Photo: ©Daves Jones, Empire West Photo

DAZZLING DEBUT RECITAL

The highlight of this recital featuring Kearstin Piper Brown and Jorell Williams was the world premiere of B.E. Boykin's new song cycle, Moments In Sonder.

2020 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of Pinocchio
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

PINNOCHIO

 BY JOHN DAVIES

Pinocchio, a children's opera​, tells the classic fairy-tale story with an operatic twist, featuring music by Wolfgang Amadeus. Mozart, Gaetano Donizetti, Jacques Offenbach, and Giovanni Battista​ Pergolesi.

David Soto Zambrana, PinocchioRobin Steiz, Olympia and Lady in BlueRobert H. Riordan, Wolf and Dr. Dulcamara​​Matthew Campisi, GeppettoVictoria Thomasch, Cat
Brock Tjosvold, pianoTodd Rhoades, stage director​​In collaboration with The Puppet Co.
Finger Lakes Opera's recital with Elena O'Connor
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

ONLINE RECITAL SERIES

Without a main-stage production to rally around, Finger Lakes Opera instead chose to highlight amazing singers through an Online Recital Series that extended into the beginning of 2021. 

Elena O'Connor, sopranoChiao-Wen Cheng, piano
Jorell Williams, baritoneRachael Kerr, piano
Kearstin Piper Brown, sopranoChiao-Wen Cheng, pianoB.E. Boykin, composer and piano
Taylor Raven, mezzo-sopranoLouis Lohraseb, piano
Carlos Enrique Santelli, tenorChristopher James Ray, piano
Jonathan Michie, tenorPaulo Almeida, piano
Finger Lakes Opera's Young Artists
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

OPERA GOES DIGITAL

Though the 2020 Season was postposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Tomita Young Artists were busy all summer recording from their homes to produce three incredible online events as part of the Opera Goes Digital Series: Aria Nights, Summer Scenes, and Online HITS! 

Sydney Anderson, sopranoMatthew Campisi, tenorNathaniel Catasca, tenorJongwon Choi, baritoneNicholas Danker, baritoneStephanie Doche, mezzo-sopranoRobert H. Riordan, baritoneDavid Soto Zambrana, tenorRobin Steiz, sopranoVictoria Thomasch, mezzo-soprano
Brock Tjosvold, piano

2019 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of La Boheme
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

LA BOHÈME

BY GIACOMO PUCCINI

A tale as old as time, this beloved story translates beautifully to the grand opera stage: so Finger Lakes Opera pulled out all the stops with this production of La Bohème​. 

Elaine Alvarez, Mimi​Jonathan Burton, Rodolfo​David Pershall, MarchelloMarlen Nahhas, MusettaJorell Williams, SchaunardAlex Soare, Colline
​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorMichael Ehrman, stage directorMichael Lasswell, scenic sesign​Brian Barnett, lighting design
Finger Lakes Opera's Opera Hits concert
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

OPERA HITS!

Nailing the balance between "a night at the opera" and a singing highlight reel, Opera HITS! was a main-stage concert celebrating all the fan-favorite opera arias and Broadway tunes sung by the 2019 Young Artists. 

Rachel Abrams, mezzo-sopranoDavid Fournie, baritoneJulianna Grabowski, sopranoRose Kearin, sopranoAnders Namestnik, tenorStarletta Noll-Long, sopranoEvan Stenzel, tenor
​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductor
Finger Lakes Opera's Summer Scenes production
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

SUMMER SCENES: SEASONS OF LOVE

Opera doesn't always need to be in an opera house! This scenes program featured the 2019 Young Artists singing bite-size chunks of famous (and romantic!) operas. 

Rachel Abrams, mezzo-sopranoDavid Fournie, baritoneJulianna Grabowski, sopranoRose Kearin, sopranoAnders Namestnik, tenorStarletta Noll-Long, sopranoEvan Stenzel, tenor
Finger Lakes Opera's production of Jack and the Beanstalk
Photo: ©Dave Jones, Empire West Photo

JACK & THE BEANSTALK

BY JOHN DAVIES

With giants and golden hens, this children's opera tells the fairytale story of Jack and the magical beanstalk growing in​ his backyard. Featuring music by ​Sir Arthur Sullivan, Jack & The Beanstalk is a whole bunch of fun for the whole family. ​

Anders Namestnik, Jack B. NimbleRose Kearin, Mrs. NimbleRachel Abrams, Giant's WifeMichael Galvin and David Fournie, Giant Evan Stenzel, Trouble ManJulianna Grabowski, NarratorStarletta-Noll Long, Narrator
Lindsay Warren Baker, stage directorMarika Yasudo, music directorJulie Covach, piano
Headshot of Jorell Williams
Photo: ©Jorell Williams

JORELL WILLIAMS RECITAL

Finger Lakes Opera and Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance collaborate to present a recital featuring renowned baritone Jorell Williams. 

Jorell Williams, baritone​Kevin Nitsch, piano
In collaboration with Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance

2018 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of Die Fledermaus
Photo: ©Jefferson Ridenour

DIE FLEDERMAUS

BY JOHANN STRAUSS II

Bringing the world's best party onto the operatic stage isn't an easy task, but Finger Lakes Opera delivered with this thrilling - and hilarious - production of Die Fledermaus

Elena O’Connor, RosalindeJonathan Michie, EisensteinCree Carrico, AdeleBray Wilkins, AlfredClara Nieman, Orlofsky
​​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorGary John LaRosa, stage directorJeff Ridenour, scenic designNic Minetor, lighting design
Finger Lakes Opera's Opera Pops concert
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

OPERA POPS

The first of many highlight concerts, 2018's Opera Pops featured the 2018 Young Artists singing beloved opera arias and Broadway hits, including selections from Madama Butterfly, West Side Story, and Le nozze di Figaro.

Jordan Bachmann, baritoneCaryn Crozier, sopranoCaroline Nielson, mezzo-sopranoSusannah Thornton, mezzo-sopranoEvan Stenzel, tenorAlison Wahl, soprano
Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductor
Finger Lakes Opera's production of Little Red's Most Unusual Day
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

LITTLE RED’S MOST UNUSUAL DAY 

BY JOHN DAVIES

Featuring music by Jacques Offenbach and Gioachino Rossini, children's opera Little Red's Most Unusual Day​ builds on the story of Little Red Riding Hood and her forest neighbors. 

Alison Wahl, Little RedCaroline Nielson, MomEvan Stenzel, DudleyJordan Bachmann, Mr. BigbadCaryn Crozier, Granny
Jason Alexander Holmes, music directorJohn Davies, stage director

2017 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of Tosca
Photo: ©Nic Minetor

TOSCA

BY GIACOMO PUCCINI

A tragic story of passion and jealously, Puccini's dramatic opera Tosca tells the story of the title character and her fight to save her lover. Finger Lakes Opera's production of Tosca​ was impactful and enticing, and marked FLO's first production as an independent nonprofit company.

Jennifer Rowley, ToscaYeghishe Manucharyan, CavaradossiCorey Crider, Scarpia
​​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorFenlon Lamb, stage directorJeff Ridenour, scenic designNic Minetor, lighting design

2016 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of La Traviata
Photo: ©Jefferson Ridenour

LA TRAVIATA

BY GIUSEPPE VERDI

Commonly ranked as the most popular opera in the world, La Traviata tells the tragic tale of Violetta, her love story, and her inevitable death. 

Danielle Talamantes, ViolettaYi Li, AlfredoMark Walters, Germont
​​​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorFenlon Lamb, stage directorJeff Ridenour, scenic design
Finger Lakes Opera's production of I Love A Piano
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

I LOVE A PIANO

BY IRVING BERLIN

Finger Lakes Opera's second musical theatre revue, I Love A Piano celebrates the work of Irving Berlin, one of the great American songwriters. 

Joseph Dellger, baritoneMissy Dowse, sopranoMichelle Liu Coughlin, mezzo-sopranoAlan M-L Wager, tenor
Gary John LaRosa, stage directorAaron McAllister, musical director

2015 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of The Elixir of Love
Photo: ©Nic Minetor

L'ELISIR D'AMORE

BY GAETANO DONIZETTI

L'Elisir d'Amore, or The Elixir of Love, is a vivacious romantic comedy. Finger Lakes Opera's imaginative setting pulls the opera from its original setting in the 18th century Spanish countryside to a sparkling, updated production in the American Roarin' 20's. 

Andrea Carroll, as AdinaRolando Sanz, as NemorinoLiam Bonner, as Sergeant BelcoreCorey Crider, as Dr. DulcamaraAngela Libertella Calabrese, as Gianetta
Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorE. Loren Meeker, stage directorLaura Fine Hawkes, scenic designNic Minetor, lighting design
Finger Lakes Opera's production of A Great Night for Singing
Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING

BY RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN

A musical revue showcasing music from famous duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, A Grand Night for Singing represented Finger Lakes Opera's first venture into a more intimate setting. 

​Evan Jones, baritoneNathan Meyer, tenorWhitney Meyer, sopranoMarisa Rivera, mezzo-sopranoHallie Silverston, soprano
Gary John LaRosa, stage directorAaron McAllister, musical director

2014 SEASON

Finger Lakes Opera's production of Carmen
Photo: ©Nic Minetor

CARMEN

BY GEORGES BIZET

One of the world's most iconic operas, Carmen comes to life with its  lighthearted beginning and inevitably tragic climax. With J'Nai Bridges singing the title role, FLO's first operatic production was truly show-stopping. 

J’Nai Bridges, CarmenGregory Kunde, Don JoséLuis Ledesma, EscamilloDanielle Pastin, Micaela
Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductorE. Loren Meeker, stage directorLaura Fine Hawkes, scenic designNic Minetor, lighting design

2013 SEASON

Photo: ©Finger Lakes Opera

GRAND OPENING GALA PERFORMANCE

Celebrating the official beginning of Finger Lakes Opera, founder Gerard Floriano led four amazing singers and the Finger Lakes Opera Orchestra in this stunning gala performance. 

Danielle Pastin, sopranoJessica Ann Best, mezzo-sopranoRolando Sanz, tenorEvan Jones, baritone
​​Finger Lakes Opera OrchestraGerard Floriano, conductor