Artistic Excellence amidst fiscal responsibility is hallmark of 74th season

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin-September 17, 2008-Florentine Opera Company Board President Wayne Lueders reported a strong financial foundation at the organization's annual meeting today. He went on to acknowledge a season of high artistic caliber that showcased the organization's mission of presenting world-class opera on the Milwaukee stage.

Critically well-received artistic highlights were the 07-08 season's hallmark, including the opening production of Franz Lehár's delightfully frothy The Merry Widow starring Diane Alexander as Hanna Glawari. In February, Erika Sunnegårdh's debut as Salome, a notoriously difficult role both vocally and physically, drew international critical attention. Bellini's I Capuleti e i Montecchi, the first-ever Bellini opera performed by the Florentine, showcased bel canto style and featured a stunning performance by Georgia Jarman.
Once again, the Florentine had an exemplary year of artistic creativity paired with fiscal responsibility, and the organization is in a strong position as it enters its 75th anniversary season, Lueders reported.
  
The Annual Meeting was held at 4:00 pm at the University Club in Milwaukee.

BOARD INFORMATION

The following individuals will serve as 2008-09 officers of the Florentine Opera Board of Directors:
                       Wayne R. Lueders                    President
                        Clay Nesler                            President-Elect
                        J. Douglas Gray                      Vice President-Investments
                        Reynolds Honold                    Vice President-Development
                        Karen Plunkett Muenster         Vice President-Audience Development
                        Asher Nichols                         Vice President-Finance
                        Ilke Panzer                            Vice President-Marketing
                        Mary Read                             Vice President-Education
                        Clay Nesler                            Vice President-Planning
                        Catherine Principe                  Treasurer
                        Marianne Lubar                      Secretary

The Nominating Committee of the Florentine Opera Company consists of the following individuals:

Marianne Lubar, Chair
Donald Baumgartner
Kurt Bechthold
James Ericson
Mary Ann LaBahn
Wayne R. Lueders
James O'Shaughnessy
Patricia Wesner
Kathleen Wilson

The following individuals will serve as Company Directors for a three-year term, ending with the Annual Meeting in 2011:

Agnes Berzsenyi
Catherine Principe
Bethany Rodenhuis