| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2005 Contact: Susan Loris, Director of Marketing & Public Relations FLORENTINE OPERA COMPANY ENDS 2004.05 ON A HIGH NOTE MILWAUKEE…Florentine Opera Company Board President James P. O’Shaughnessy concluded his term with proud accomplishments and high hopes for the organization’s future as he announced a balanced budget. “I am excited for the Florentine as we continue our way forward,” stated O’Shaughnessy. “Ours is a strong and resilient organization. In discharging our stewardship, we have brought to Milwaukee and the surrounding community operatic performances of a caliber found in the major cities throughout North America.” Significant artistic highlights during the 2004.05 season included the Florentine debut of world-renowned mezzo Eva Podles in Il Trovatore, the Marie Z. Uihlein Artist Vivica Genaux and her vocally spectacular and sympathetic portrayal in the title role of La Cenerentola, and the fine ensemble performances of La Bohéme, directed by Lillian Groag. The season also included the appointment of William Florescu as General Director. Operationally, the Florentine saw a 4.4% increase in total revenue, as well as a 3.8% increase in earned income. Other fiscal achievements included an increase of 7% in single ticket sales and continued growth in investments. Investments grew from just under $3 million to $3.8 million. Florescu cited the enthusiasm and hard work of the Florentine Opera’s staff, the contributions of the Board of Directors and former General Director Dennis Hanthorn’s fifteen-year legacy as the foundation of the Florentine Opera’s continued success. “The Florentine Opera is dedicated to enriching the lives of both children and adults through the performing arts and we provide a vital addition to local arts education and outreach,” Florescu noted. He also reported continued growth and development of the Florentine Opera’s education and community outreach programs. Over 10,000 school children were reached through educational programs such as The Mighty Mezzo, My First Trip to the Opera and Opera Inside Out. An additional 580 students were able to experience main stage productions thanks to the student grant program sponsored by Harley-Davidson and other local corporations and foundations. The 2004.05 season also marked the start of the High School Master Class pilot program, which culminated with eighteen talented students attending a two-hour master class focused on increasing young singers’ knowledge of the vocal arts medium led by Dr. Russell Miller, Associate Director of Vocal Coaching at the Eastman School of Music. Our growing adult outreach programs continued to attract new audiences as well. The Florentine collaboration with Alterra Coffee Roasters continued to grow as we presented our second annual eight-performance summer series Florentine @ the Lake, featuring Florentine Opera artists. “Audiences may see only three main stage performances a season, but the Florentine Opera is active 52 weeks a year reaching in to the community,” Florescu observed. “All of the things mentioned above have been done against a backdrop of continued fiscal responsibility. This commitment provides a strong foundation for the reason for our being—bringing this most all encompassing art form to our community—in the past, in the present, and into the future.” The following individuals will serve as 2005.06 officers of the Florentine Opera Board of Directors:
The following individuals will serve as company directors for a three-year term ending with the annual meeting 2008:
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