FGO, like much of the art scene in Miami, is suffering from under-funding. Many of the performances were superb productions with near top level performers, but the temperamental Miami audience does not seem to appreciate some of the more adventurous productions. The retirement of the tireless long time master, will undoubtedly make significant changes....time will tell how. The controversially named "Opera House" is a remarkably unremarkable incredibly costly building with shoddy finishes and materials, the overpowering garish curtain and cheap lighting may be appreciated by "Music Hall" or burlesque audiences.Unfortunately the building and its gauche name detract from being a "GRAND OPERA"

And even if you are not, this is the best Opera House in my opinion. Enjoy and support the arts. It's for everyone...

FGO cannot go pass the feeling of a very provincial company. I think is time to get new blood into their management and get some productions worth seeing, for a change.

FGO depends on young singers at the start of their careers. They usually rent sets from other companies. They usually choose very well.
Romeo and Juliette was well-staged. The soprano sang Juliette well. The tenor, Sebastien Gueze, was magnificent. His voice was brazen and edgy in the confrontation with Tyabalt and sweet and lyrical in the scenes with Juliette. He had plenty of volume when it was called for and floated pianissimos beautifully.
La Rondine was the best performance I have ever seen of this opera. Engaging a first rate soprano to play the maid was a stroke of genius. This made the maid's silly affair a perfect counterpoint to the heroine's serious affair.
This year's Rigoletto was one of the best Rigoletto's I have seen. The baritone actually managed to make one care about Rigoletto.
FGO often tries new or obscure operas. Last year's Cyrano de Bergerac was one of the very few new operas really worth seeing. I found the year before's Anna Karenina rather dull. The year before that, perfect stageing and excellent singing managed to make Szulamit interesting.