This study traced the history of the Greater Miami Opera, examining the various factors which contributed to the Opera's growth and development. Beginning the 1941 - 1942 season with a $1200 budget and a single performance of I Pagliacci, the Greater Miami Opera developed into an artistic institution with an annual budget that approaches $3.5 million. On a fiscal basis, this budget places the Greater Miami Opera among the leading companies in the United States. / After a study of related literature, it was determined that particular attention should be given to the environmental and cultural conditions in Miami prior to the founding of the Opera. This study revealed two definite stages of development: (1) the period from 1941 through 1972, under the leadership of Dr. Arturo di Filippi, and (2) the period from late 1973 through the present, under the management of Robert Herman. In addition to artistic history, the activities of the Greater Miami Opera's educational programs, financial benefactors and support groups were summarized. / The following conclusions were drawn from the research and organization of the study: Although di Filippi's charismatic, mercurial personality differed greatly from Herman's businesslike demeanor, both leadership styles were appropriate to the respective stages of the organization's development. Miami's continual use of the "star system," as opposed to a repertory ensemble has ensured financial support from a broad range of individuals. The Greater Miami Opera's ability to create a constant supply of newsworthy and human-interest articles for the print media has reinforced the organization's reputation as the outstanding cultural institution in both the Miami area and the state of Florida. Finally, and of equal importance, is General Manager Robert Herman's emphasis on the visual aspects of operatic production. His tenure has been marked by an improved balance in production values by placing scenery, original settings, costumes, lighting and stage direction on a basis equal to the musical values. These procedures have enhanced the stature of the organization, both nationally and internationally. Given the Greater Miami Opera's record of program development, all indicators would appear to suggest grounds for a rich and optimistic future. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 45-04, Section: A, page: 0980. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1984.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_75289 |
| Contributors | BRAZ, MICHAEL LEE., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 201 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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