Three international opera stars from the Metropolitan opera to perform in Naples on January 9

On January 9th at the elegant Knickerbocker of Naples, Cuban-American soprano Elizabeth Caballero, tenor Richard Troxell (of Sony ‘Madama Butterfly’ fame) and bass-baritone Kyle Albertson (hailed as the new Wotan of our day) will perform diverse opera favorites- a gathering of incredible voices in a beautiful, yet covid-safe environment. Such a gathering of talent would normally be possible only
at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses but Maria Todaro, general director of the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice in Naples has found a way to bring these fine artists together to present this special opera concert while theaters and venues around the world are closed.

The inaugural ‘Candlelight Opera Salon’ at the Knickerbocker featuring bass Morris Robinson, soprano Jasmine Habersham and tenor Adam Diegel, sold out in less than 5 days. These concerts were created as an act of resilience in the performing arts, which have been decimated by the pandemic leaving artists with whole seasons cancelled and audiences without being able to hear live performance, which of course is what opera is truly about.

As the general director of the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice, Todaro found a way to produce the first live, drive-in performance of an opera in the United States on August 30 in an abandoned IBM parking lot in Kingston, New York. It was the first of its kind in this country and second in the world (2nd only to the opera in Stuttgart, Germany). Since then, companies in the U.S. and beyond have followed her lead. Included in this live performance (performers performing live, covid-safe on stage while the action was projected on huge jumbotrons throughout the parking lot) was Todaro’s ground-breaking innovation of including a part of the opera presented in volumetrics (a type of altered reality on present in the movie and gaming industry at present).

Their loss is our gain! Cuban-American star Elizabeth Caballero was due to make her debut with the Opera of Stuttgart, Germany in the title role in La Boheme. Unfortunately postponed to a later date, she has graciously agreed to appear on Naples on Jan. 9. Her voice was described by The New York Times as “plush-toned, expressive, radiant soprano…with beautiful passion…a true diva”!

Tenor Richard Troxell has been lauded as ‘a consummate entertainer with a captivatingly powerful, burnished voice’ by Australias Limelight Music and Arts Magazine and as a ‘shatteringly effective’ actor by the Vancouver Sun. His work in the Sony film of Madama Butterfly directed by Martin Scorsese received two thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert and was hailed as a triumph by The New York Times. A more lavish bass-baritone than that of Kyle Albertson has not been seen since George London. He is a complete performer and excels in the dramatic repertoire as Scarpia (Tosca), The Flying Dutchman and Wotan in Wagner’s Ring Cycle. He is described as having ‘…a splendidly resonant baritone, perfect diction and impressive acting’ along with “a commanding stage presence”, The Dallas News says his “high-intensity performance will surely rank as a legend in Dallas musical history.”‘ t baritone

Maria Todaro General director and co -founder of the 11 years old Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice located in NY is , in conjunction with Kristen Jasinski founder of The Knickerbocker of Naples”, present a luxurious evening ‘salon’, under strict Covid-19 safety protocols and socially distanced, a candlelight concert featuring 3 of the most sought after operatic artists in the country accompanied by Milana Strezeva, founder of the Grand Piano Series of Naples. Another big star of the event is The “Voice” of The Grand Piano Series : The Fazioli F308 that Grand Piano Series board and founder are generously lending for the occasion.

Kathi Kilburn,( Coldwell Banker 5th Avenue) and Trish Leonard ( president of TLC Marketing) have both enthusiastically decided to support the arts and sponsor this event for the enjoyment and must needed healing of our community , art deprived , since last March.
TLC Marketing & Creative Services is women-owned full-service boutique marketing, public relations, and event planning firm in Bonita Springs, Florida with over 11 years in business. TLC is a firm believer in community involvement and providing support wherever it is needed.

Ted Roepke ( Tech-Tronics) who did the lights at the Botanical Garden in Naples has generously helped with the lights of the events.

You will be uplifted, transported and restored in time for the holidays– a gorgeous setting with glorious singing- perfect and timeless!

Sreyna Chou owner of the Exotica Beauty Studio has donated all sanitizing elements.

Free Parking on premise.
Tickets and Info: https://phoeniciavoicefest.yapsody.com/
www.PhoeniciaVoiceFest.org
Tickets: $75 – $85