Florida Grand Opera Receives Donation From Philanthropists Tina Vidal-Duart and Carlos Duart
Photo Credit: Florida Grand Opera
Established in 1941, Florida Grand Opera (FGO) serves as the oldest performing arts organization in the state and the fourth oldest opera company in the country. Spotlighting world-class artistry from beloved classics to contemporary works, FGO presents compelling performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. As a crucial component of the cultural landscape for over 80 years, the nonprofit organization continues to capture audiences from the community and across the globe.
In 2024, FGO received a matching donation gift of $2 million from philanthropists Tina Vidal-Duart and Carlos Duart. Building on that commitment, the benevolent duo has pledged another $1 million to support the 2025-2026 season and engagement programs. Carlos Duart shares that “Miami has come a long way in its arts and culinary offering in recent years, and we want to ensure performing arts that rivals The Met and Broadway are available in a big way in this community.”
Under the leadership of General Director Maria Todaro, new engagement programs include school outreach and training opportunities for over 20,000 children annually. FGO will also launch Voices of Wellness, a national program offering a holistic, arts-driven approach to healing and well-being. Utilizing music as a source of comfort and a catalyst for transformation, this initiative targets first responders, active military personnel, veterans, and medical professionals. This also aligns with Vidal-Duart’s healthcare advocacy through her company, CDR Health, and reflects FGO’s commitment to empowering art.
As FGO’s Chair of the Board, Vidal-Duart shares, “Ensuring Miami maintains a robust performing arts offering is pivotal toward Miami’s trajectory as a leading world city and tourist destination, providing rich, immersive, and exciting programming to residents and visitors alike.”