The Opera Society

Susan Danis, FGO General Director and CEO installed the newly elected Officers of The Opera Society at a beautifully planned songfest and Spring Luncheon at the Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale.

2018-19 President, Jan Solomon is joined by VP Ways & Means, Karen Mathieson, VP Membership, Nadia Greenidge, VP Public Relations, Melanie Camp & (Helena Caplan, not pictured), Recording Secretary, Isobel Sturgeon, Corresponding Secretary, Linda Balent, Treasuer, Ruth Molina.

A salon style performance from the Studio Artists as well as a thank you from outgoing President, Karen Mathieson set the stage for a delightful spring fling!

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The Opera Society Lyrical Luncheons closed with a preview of the 2018-19 season and a celebration of a successful fundraiser sponsored by Fidelity Investments.

Jan Solomon, Chairperson for the four exceptional luncheons featuring performances by the Florida Grand Opera Studio Artists and opera highlights from Florida Grand Opera’s Administration were subscribed by over 60 enthusiastic supporters of the Opera Society.

A special thank you to Wendy Liebowitz, VP and Branch Manager at Fidelity Investments, for her Investment Notes and Insights!

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The Opera Society, now in its 40^th year of support for Opera in our community presented a celebration of life in honor of Patrick Flynn who headed Fort Lauderdale Opera and represented Broward as Managing Director for Florida Grand Opera for many years.

Patrick Flynn was revered and loved by the support groups for Opera in Broward County including the Opera Guild, Opera Society, Junior Opera Guild and the Camerata.

“Patrick helped Jan Solomon and I initiate an educational program that lasted seven years, bringing in funds for the Opera and educating the community on the Season’s Opera productions. We won recognition for this program as the best educational series chaired and presented by volunteers at the North America conference of Opera Volunteers International”, said Melanie Camp, a past President of the Opera Society and longtime Opera supporter.

The evening. prior to the performance of Lucia di Lammermoor at the Broward Center of Performing Arts began in the Abdo Riverview room with cocktails and a slide presentation of favorite moments with Patrick Flynn and the arts community. At dinner, hosts Karen Mathieson, current Opera Society President and Linda Balent welcomed Justin Moss, Florida Grand Opera Director of Broward Operations who gave a moving presentation of the memorable moments shared with Patrick and his family.

Elliott Flynn, son of Patrick Flynn took the stage and gave a moving tribute to his father and the Opera family. The Opera Society was honored to have Karen, wife of Flynn and close members of her family present.

Patrick Flynn lost his battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease last year. His contributions to this community will long be remembered.

Nearly 200 guests raised a glass toasting what was a life well lived.

Please enjoy the attached photos courtesy of Downtown Photo.

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Karen Mathieson and Susan Danis

Another season comes to a close…

The Spring Luncheon and Installation of Officers for 2017-2018 was held on May 3^rd at the luxurious Coral Ridge Country Club in Ft. Lauderdale. Guests sipped prosecco and were serenaded by two of Florida Grand Opera’s finest Young Artists and their accompaniment prior to a scrumptious lunch.  

Susan Danis, General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera presided over the installation of officers.

SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2017-2018

President: Karen Mathieson

First Vice President – Ways & Means: Jan Solomon

Second Vice President – Membership: Anne Brantmeyer

Third Vice President – Publicity: Melanie Camp & Helena Caplan

Corresponding Secretary: Linda Balent

Recording Secretary: Barbara Parent

Treasurer: Ruth Molina

Karen Mathieson thanked the executive and committee chairs for their support over the past season and presented each one with a gift of appreciation.

Thanks were extended to all those who helped to underwrite events, volunteered on committees and at events, and sponsored our In-school Opera Program. You are the BEST! In addition to sponsoring the in-school opera at 5 Broward schools, this year we were able to donate $70,000 to FGO!

Plans are underway for another great season of friendship among music lovers and more great opera! We are already working on:

• A 3-day cruise on the Silver Whisper from Dec, 16 – 19, 2017 (Ruth Molina)
• A pre-opera gala dinner and tribute to Patrick Flynn, preceding the opera Lucia at the Broward Center on Sat. Dec. 2^nd.
• And much more… we welcome your input and we are always looking for new ideas and a helping hand.
• It’s time to renew you Opera Society membership
• Remember to buy your season subscription to FGO 2017-2018 season.

Thank you to Anne Brantmeyer and Barbara Copanos for organizing the luncheon and to Helena Caplan for the great photos.

Karen Mathieson, President

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The Opera Society is one of the oldest support groups in Fort Lauderdale, organized and founded in 1978 in Fort Lauderdale by leading city founders of the Symphony and the Art Museum. After nearly forty years of fundraising, they saluted Florida Grand Opera recently with a 75^th Anniversary Celebration on the night of the final performance of Eugene Onegin at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on February 11th.

Patrons were greeted prior to the performance with cocktails and champagne in the Peck Courtyard where they were photographed in couples and small groups for a favor to be presented after the performance. A gala dinner was served in the beautiful Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom with music of the Barynya Balalaika Duo in keeping with the Russian Ball Theme. Susan Danis, CEO and General Director of Florida Grand Opera introduced the Board members and thanked the guests for their support. She thanked Kelly Shandley the CEO of the Performing Arts Center for his support of opera at the Broward Center for Performing Arts.   The guests then attended an outstanding performance of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin in the Au Rene Theatre.

Chairpersons, Dr. Linda Balent and Ms. Barbara Copanos then greeted guests after the Opera at a Dessert Banquet in the Riverview Ballroom for dancing and more Champagne flowed. Philip Pierce, FGO Artist Administrator introduced the members of the cast at the after-opera party and recognition to major sponsors: Mr. Michael Borgioli of Fidelity Investments, Mr. John Halsey Copanos of ECI Pharmaceuticals, LLC and Mrs. Barbara Copanos.   Dr. Linda Balent and Mrs. Barbara Copanos accepted recognition for chairing the most successful fundraiser for the opera in recent years netting $65,000 for Florida Grand Opera. Hats Off to the Opera Society!

Melanie Camp, VP Publicity

Enjoy the photos courtesy of Downtown Photo.

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Background: Beth Holland and Gary Loft; Foreground: Roger Sturgeon, Isobel Sturgeon (facing away), Barbara Copanos, Justin Moss; Behind the camera: Karen Mathieson

Thank you to Barbara Copanos, Justin Moss and Judith Carney for letting us enjoy an absolutely lovely Christmas Eve dinner at Barbara’s home! While the number attending was small, the pleasant conversation, delightful hors d’oeuvres, wines and dinner provided a very special evening for all to celebrate.

Thanks to Chef d’ Excellence, Justin, as assisted by Judith and Barbara, we enjoyed dinner in three acts:

• Act I: Open Bar Holiday Spirits and an Assortment of Hot and Cold Hors d’Oeuvres
• Act II: Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb, Shrimp Risotto Milanese, Spinach Soufflé, Holiday Salad Vinaigrette
• Act III: Season’s Desserts, Coffee and Eggnog

Many thanks to Karen Mathieson, very much in attendance but not in the photos, which she graciously shared!

Barbara Copanos and Justin Moss

Judith Carney, Beth Holland, Eric Koskoff

Justin Moss, Isobel & Roger Sturgeon

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