Florentine Opera Announces Music Director

January 25,2023 (Milwaukee)— The Florentine Opera is honored to announce the appointment of Maestro Francesco Milioto as its new Music Director. Milioto has been instrumental in bringing grand opera to vibrant new heights on Milwaukee’s stage. Milioto will assume the position of Music Director in July 2023 as the Florentine begins their 90th season.

Maestro Milito’s debut Music Director season is sponsored by Donald and Kathleen Wilson.

Maestro Milioto shared, “I am so excited to expand my role with the Florentine Opera to Music Director! It has felt like family since the first day and I am honored to continue serving this great city and its vibrant artistic community. Viva la Florentine!!”

Milioto currently serves as Music Director of OPERA San Antonio, Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera. Described as a gifted “singer’s” conductor, Maestro Milioto previously conducted Romeo et Juliette and Rigoletto with the Florentine. A highly sought after master teacher, Milioto spends much of his time working with and developing young artists.

Maggey Oplinger, General Director and CEO of the Florentine Opera, lauded the conductor’s impact on the Florentine during his three seasons as Artistic Advisor: “Francesco has brought us talent on the brink of stardom again and again. We look forward to discovering so many great voices on our stage with his deeper involvement. More importantly, the Florentine is committed to aspirational growth and collaboration. Francesco supports and inspires his teammates, and goes above and beyond as a member of the Florentine. As a powerful conductor appreciated by orchestra, singers, and audience alike, his dedication to opera classics and great music making marks a joyous entrance into our 90th season.”

The Florentine extends its enthusiastic congratulations to Maestro Milioto on this appointment and we invite you to witness his remarkable talent for yourself as he conducts this season’s highly anticipated Bronzeville Bohème.

BIO: FRANCESCO MILIOTO

Francesco Milioto continues to establish himself in opera houses as an incredibly gifted “singer’s” conductor. His interpretation of each score is fueled by a philosophy of collaboration in service of the overall experience for artists, creators, and audience.

Maestro Milioto currently serves as Music Director of OPERA San Antonio, Music Director Designate to The Florentine Opera, and Music Director of Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera. Highlights of Mr. Milioto’s most recent acclaimed performances, outside of his home companies, include at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Atlanta Opera, Arizona Opera and Tulsa Opera. He is a member of the music staff at the world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Santa Fe Opera.

Mr. Milioto began the season leading a successful production of Romeo and Juliet at The Florentine Opera, before heading to San Antonio to conduct their performances of Pagliacci. He then made his debut with Ballet San Antonio conducting several performances of The Nutcracker in collaboration with the Classical Music Institute Orchestra. The new year began with a recital in Charleston for HALO, followed quickly by a last-minute substitution with Tulsa Opera for their gala performance of Verdi’s Aida. Mr. Milioto will end the season with a return to San Antonio to lead OSA’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

This season also included his work on productions of Ernani and Hansel and Gretel at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Maestro Milioto is an avid coach and much sought after master teacher. In addition to his work with young artists at OPERA San Antonio and The Florentine Opera he recently gave masterclasses for the Detroit Opera Studio and Mexico Opera Studio in Monterrey, Mexico.

As a Music director and guest conductor Mr. Milioto has thrived in Chicago and beyond. Over his many years in Chicago, he claimed the title of Music Director to the New Millennium Orchestra, the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Highland Park Strings, Access Contemporary Music and the Chicago Cultural Center Summer Opera. As a guest conductor he has amassed several critically acclaimed productions with Chicago Opera theater and has collaborated with many professional local orchestras. His work with the New Millennium Orchestra and Chicago Opera theater were each named to the Chicago Sun-Times list of the “10 best performances of the year.” Mr. Milioto is particularly proud of his work with the New Millennium Orchestra of Chicago, which he co-founded in 2005. The NMO had an incredible range of repertoire, playing everything from classical music and opera, to collaborations with jazz and hip-hop artists. His highly acclaimed work over ten seasons with both the Highland Park Strings and Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra ranged from early music to contemporary works and often featured world-renowned soloists. As Artistic Director/Conductor of Access Contemporary Music, Mr. Milioto led the brilliantly vibrant ensemble Palomar which has been featured on the radio and in performances throughout the city and abroad. He has also conducted successful productions with The Atlanta Opera, Arizona Opera, Tulsa Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera Southwest, Elgin Opera, and Opera on the James.

ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA COMPANY

We’ve been bringing a little bit of the world to Milwaukee since 1933. We’re on a journey of discovery, exploring the glory of the human voice. We’re a powerhouse for all different voices and stories, which have endured through the centuries and resonate with our humanity and passion. We’re a live, supersized experience, created in-the-moment through theater, staging, lighting, lavish costumes, and beautiful song, bringing you the most immersive and all-encompassing artistic experience possible. Join us for a live performance that will sweep you off your feet.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.florentineopera.org, email tickets@florentineopera.org or call 414.291.5700 ext. 224.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.