Vanishing Voices Premiere Shines Light on Opera’s Revival

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Micky Vice

Opera takes center stage once again, but this time it’s not on the stage—it’s on the screen. On April 11, 2025, a powerful new documentary titled Vanishing Voices premiered at Silverspot Cinema in downtown Miami. The film, presented by Florida Grand Opera and Vidal-Duart Enterprises, drew a vibrant crowd from across Miami’s cultural, entertainment, and civic spheres.

This compelling film tells the story of Florida Grand Opera—one of the oldest and most respected opera companies in the nation—as it fights to reclaim its voice in an era where opera is often seen as outdated or inaccessible. With attendance numbers declining across the U.S., the film is both a wake-up call and an invitation to rediscover opera’s emotional depth and cultural relevance.

Directed by Nima Soofi and Leonor Anthony, Vanishing Voices goes behind the curtain at FGO during its bold transformation. The film captures the energy, creativity, and urgency driving the company’s 83rd season—a time of reinvention under the leadership of General Director Maria Todaro and Board Chairwoman Tina Vidal-Duart.

Photo Credit: Micky Vice

Their story is one of resilience and passion. Maria Todaro, a seasoned force in opera worldwide, and Tina Vidal-Duart, a bold cultural visionary, are leading FGO into a new era where opera is once again relevant, powerful, and accessible. They are determined not only to bring audiences back into opera houses but to create new ones altogether—ones that reflect the diversity and spirit of today’s communities.

Through heartfelt storytelling, the film showcases how FGO is reinventing the opera experience for a modern audience. With fewer than 3.3% of U.S. adults attending opera, and international venues struggling to fill even 60% of their seats, the stakes have never been higher. Vanishing Voices doesn’t shy away from these numbers—it confronts them head-on, inspiring viewers to be part of the change.

Education and accessibility lie at the heart of this movement. FGO brings over 20,000 children each season to experience live dress rehearsals. For many, it’s their first time seeing opera. These moments are more than field trips—they’re invitations into a world filled with music, emotion, and imagination.

Photo Credit: Micky Vice

The film also highlights groundbreaking productions like FGO’s recent staging of The Magic Flute, which earned praise from the Miami Herald for its scale, creativity, and local impact. These performances serve as living proof that opera is anything but outdated—it’s alive, evolving, and thrilling new generations.

Vanishing Voices features exclusive appearances by notable figures including Nicoletta Pavarotti, widow of the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and Limmie Pulliam, the groundbreaking African American tenor who recently starred in Pagliacci at FGO. Their presence adds a deeper layer of legacy and inspiration to the film.

Photo Credit: Micky Vice

But more than a documentary, Vanishing Voices is a cultural call to action. It challenges audiences to recognize opera as not just art, but as a vital expression of human emotion and storytelling. It invites everyone—whether a lifelong fan or a newcomer—to rediscover opera through a fresh and modern lens.

At its core, the film is a tribute to those who believe in the power of art to transform, uplift, and unite. It’s about the people who dare to preserve the past while boldly shaping the future. For FGO, that future looks vibrant, inclusive, and unapologetically bold.

With a red carpet, heartfelt performances, and a crowd full of changemakers, the premiere of Vanishing Voices wasn’t just the launch of a film—it was the launch of a movement. One that dares to believe that opera can once again be a voice for everyone.

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