Mission, Values & History
We’ve been bringing a little bit of the world to Milwaukee since 1933.
Our Mission
The Florentine Opera Company is driven to produce the full range of operatic works reflecting the highest musical and theatrical standards, and to support community and education programs that foster the current and next generation of opera audiences and practitioners.
Values
Excellence, Sustainability, Aspiration, Transparency, Family
our commitment to Reflecting MKE
The Florentine seeks to provide the best possible opera experience to our patrons, staff and performers. It is imperative to create a work environment that fosters the recruitment, hiring, development, and retention of diverse talent, both administratively and artistically. Breadth of perspective and participation helps our opera thrive.
Land acknowledgement
The Florentine Opera works and performs on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee land, where we live alongside the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations. We recognize their tradition of sharing history and stories through song and dance before we sang our first note in this community.
our history
1933
The Italian Opera Chorus
The Florentine Opera was founded in 1933 by John-David Anello. At that time, the group was called the Italian Opera Chorus, and it met at the Jackson Street Social Center.
1942
The Florentine Opera Chorus
In 1942, the group became The Florentine Opera Chorus, remaining under the direction of John D. Anello. He explained that the change in name “was to honor the birthplace of opera as we know it. The craft originated in the Italian city of Florence, which has been known as a bustling center for the arts for many centuries.” By this time, the chorus had grown to a group of 100 members of many nationalities, with a waiting list of over 100 more. In the program of the first “Opera Album” after the name change is written the Florentine Opera Chorus motto: “If our song has stopped one heart from aching, we have not lived in vain.”
1950
the florentine opera
company
In 1950, the Florentine Opera Chorus extended its efforts from operatic choral performances to the production of complete operas and the company became a private venture, changing its name one final time to the Florentine Opera Company. The Florentine Opera Company is a member of Opera America. Our performances range from Baroque gems with period instruments to world premieres.