"Truly grand opera...fabulously staged."               "A perfect night, a perfect opera,                     - DAILY FREEMAN, Kingston, NY                          a perfect performance. Bravo!"
                                                                                                 - ULSTER COUNTY (NY) TOWNSMAN

Thank you for what you have done for First Coast Opera.  LA BOHEME was a landmark production for us and the benchmark against which future productions will be judged.  From our first meeting, you impressed us in many ways:  your vision, energy, creativity, flexibility, attention to detail, but most impressive was your generosity.  You gave unreservedly of your time, talent, experience, and resources – professional, material and personal. First Coast Opera has learned and grown tremendously through working with you.  Thank you for seeing our potential and helping us to realize it!

Ten amazing years as our Producer and Stage Director!  And what an amazing Opera Gala and PAGLIACCI you gave us!  Absolutely thrilling!  Your production of GOLDILOCKS for young audiences was sensational as well.  Everyone associated with the Festival, and of course our grateful audience, marvels at your ability to produce, direct, and manage first-class productions every summer.  We are looking forward to next summer’s production of DIE FLEDERMAUS, and we all wish you continued success with your projects in Florida.

LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD was a smash hit.  The singing was marvelous and the vocalists were fantastic actors.  VIENNA TO BROADWAY was glorious from start to finish.  You exceeded our expectations in every way.

The audience (ages 15 to 85) enjoyed and embraced VIENNA TO BROADWAY.  LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD, presented to K – 5th graders, was excellent.  The study guides provided prior to these performances were well used by the teachers, and the children were with you every step of the way.

I had enormous fun working on THE FROG PRINCE, and my children regularly sing excerpts.  They also sing the “veggie Habanera” from LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD.  Your work really makes an impact.  Your pieces have been so successful here that, in my new position as Artistic Director of the Opera School, I would like to present your GOLDILOCKS in 2009 – 20 performances.

What a glorious production!  Every element was in place – a wonderful cast of New York artists, expertly detailed stage direction, outstanding production values, an efficient technical operation.  We are all in accord.  LA BOHEME was wonderful!

Our audience loved the performance.  What gorgeous voices and spectacular sets.  I received many comments of excitement and accolades.

                       
All of us here at South Florida Center for the Arts were thrilled with the stunning performance of LA BOHEME you brought to us.  The completeness of the production – in particular the effective sets, props, costumes, and well-orchestrated scene changes – was both unexpected and much appreciated.  Our audience loved you, and we would be more than happy to work with you again.

The entire Impromptu Board has received thanks and praise from the audience for a spectacular performance!  Comments such as “best of the season” and “please bring them back” were among those I heard personally.  I’m sure we will be working on a return engagement for JLO.

What a thrilling evening at the opera here at land’s end in Key West.  Everything was superb – voices, music, staging, scenery, all PERFECT.  Most important to me, the talent was extraordinary.  Our audience was ecstatic.  I think the long standing ovation was a confirmation of their reaction.  We look forward to working with the Jacksonville Lyric Opera in the future.

The reaction of our sold-out audience was enthusiastic in every way… expressed throughout the show and during a prolonged heartfelt standing ovation.  Thank you for bringing us an enchanting evening.

Our audience could not have asked for a better performance.  Whatever the future holds for the Jacksonville Lyric Opera, I know it will be bright with success.  You will always be welcome back to St. Augustine.  Thank you for a delightful evening of song, dance, and theater.

In ten years as EMMA’s Program Chair, and another ten as Board member, I have not seen a more vibrant operatic production.  We feel lucky to have found such a special opera company so close to our historic city, and hope to have you as part of our series for many years to come.

Donald Westwood came to us to stage INTO THE WOODS for our Young Artists program.  Mr. Westwood has done marvelous work here.  His distinct approach has resulted in a first-rate presentation.  Our entire company is thrilled with Mr. Westwood’s work.

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