Central Florida Lyric Opera

Founded in 1988 by Bill Doherty and a dedicated group of opera lovers in the Central FL area, the Central Florida Light Opera (CFLO) was organized. The main focus of the company was to produce Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and other light opera works. However, by 1991 the singers had developed an interest and desire to perform grand opera and other... musical concerts. This shift in focus allowed Mr. Doherty and the newly named Central Florida Lyric Opera a chance to do something more than present light opera productions. Knowing how hard it was for singers just starting in their careers to receive opportunities to perform leading roles in opera, he wanted to provide not only a performance outlet for young singers, but also a fertile training ground where they could develop and hone their skills. Thus began the company's Resident Artist Training Program. Singers in the program performed in the operatic productions and concerts, focusing on training and development through private voice lessons and coachings, group classes in language, stage movement and presentation. The company's productions were cast primarily from members of the Resident Artist Training Program. Professional singers from outside the company were only hired when there was not a member of the Training Program available to perform a certain role. As the years progressed so did the caliber of talent involved with the training program. Our Resident Artist Training Program began attracting singers from all over the United States and Europe. Many of our Resident Artists gained national and international attention by winning regional, national and international vocal competitions, singing with regional opera companies and performing leading roles both on Broadway and with national tours of Broadway productions. There is a long list of successful graduates. With increasing performance and study opportunities overseas, and a desire to offer performances of an operatic and non-operatic nature to its audiences, Maestro Doherty and members of the Board of ...Read More