Maria Todaro has been immersed in opera since the day she was born.
Now, the daughter of Italian opera singer Jose Todaro and Brazilian mezzo-soprano Maria-Helena de Oliveira is coming to South Florida to serve as interim general director of Florida Grand Opera (FGO).
In September, Susan T. Danis, FGO’s general director and CEO since October 2012, announced she would be leaving her position but remain with the company through a transition period. On Oct. 25, the board of directors announced that Todaro will helm the company through the 2023-24 season, its 82nd, which begins in November with “La Traviata” at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
Todaro is cofounder and general director of the Hudson Valley (N.Y.) International Festival of the Voice.
“It was obvious to us that she is the right person to build on the legacy of Susan T. Danis and guide our beloved opera throughout this season,” FGO board president Per-Olof Lööf said in a statement. “With her well-established background in so many different aspects of the opera industry, we know Maria’s talent and experience will generate the same admiration throughout the South Florida community that it has in the supporters and stakeholders of Florida Grand Opera.”
Eric Joannes
Newly named FGO interim general director Maria Todaro, who comes from a long line of opera and music professionals, has directed 23 productions for companies such as Minnesota Opera and The Atlanta Opera. (Eric Joannes/Courtesy)Opera is very much a family affair. In addition to her parents’ careers, Todaro’s grandmother, Helena de Oliveira, headed the International Vocal and Piano Competition of Rio de Janeiro. And she is married to international baritone Louis Otey.
Todaro began her professional life in opera as a mezzo-soprano and entrepreneur, founding the production company Arteodor in France and later embarking on a stage directing career. The versatile artist has directed 23 productions for companies such as Minnesota Opera, The Atlanta Opera, and Hawaii Opera Theatre. Over a span of 10 years, she has also staged 16 original productions and collaborated as librettist with composer Mitch Bach to write an opera based on “The Three Musketeers.”
“I am truly humbled to have been entrusted with the responsibility of advancing Florida Grand Opera,” said Todaro in a statement, adding that FGO is embarking on an “exciting new phase of growth with the aim of increasing our influence and relevance within our community.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Florida Grand Opera opens 82nd season with “La Traviata”
WHEN/WHERE:
COST: $75-$230
INFORMATION: fgo.org
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