In celebration of its 35th Anniversary, Opera at Florham held an all-star gala at Lenfell Hall, The Mansion at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. Hosted by former PBS and WQXR broadcaster Midge Woolsey, the event honored New Jersey residents James Morris, Bass-Baritone Met Opera Star and Susan Quittmeyer, Mezzo-Soprano and Rutgers Opera Institute faculty.
The afternoon concert featured operatic favorites performed by distinguished singers, soprano Maria Natale, tenor Fanyong Du and baritone Ricardo Rivera, led by pianist Mary Pinto. Carefully chosen for the occasion, the repertoire consisted of arias and ensembles from La Bohème, I Puritani, Faust, Eugene Onegin, Simon Boccanegra and Le Nozze di Figaro, all operas the two honorees have sung throughout their careers.
“At Opera at Florham, we believe opera is for everyone,” says Joan Del Giudice, president of Opera at Florham. “Opera’s powerful music, characters and acting engage the senses, emotions and intellect, telling timeless stories of fantasy, life, love, tragedy and hope. We must ensure it remains accessible – that’s why we provide low-cost, high-quality events for the community.”
