The Florentine Opera serves as the heart of Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood providing theatrical and operatic programming as well as opportunities for youth education and community outreach.

  • What is The Florentine Center?
    • The Wayne & Kelly Lueders Florentine Opera Center was founded in 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Riverwest neighborhood as part of a project to revitalize the area. The opera house serves as the center of production for the Florentine Opera Studio Artists with two performance spaces, a warehouse for storage of production equipment and stage pieces, and workspaces for building custom sets, costumes, wigs, and more. The 3,000-square-foot building also has full kitchen facilities and office spaces.
  • Who supports the Florentine Opera Center?
    • The Florentine Opera Center is supported by donations from citizens in the community and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, a memorial trust, Wayne and Kristine Lueders, and Cathy Costantini. The Florentine Opera Company, which performs at the center, was founded in 1933 as the Italian Opera Chorus. The current name has been in use since 1944. The company has had Grammy award-winning recordings and many notable performers from around the world, including Luciano Pavarotti.
  • What performances are held at the Florentine Opera Center?
    • The Florentine Opera Company performs “The Center Series” at the Florentine Opera Center with performances scheduled several times throughout the year. These performances are planned a year in advance for a calendar season. Brochures are available at the box office and online. Tickets can be purchased in person, through the box office online, or over the phone.
  • What community events does the Florentine Opera Company host?
    • The Florentine Opera Company is involved in many Milwaukee community outreach programs and hosts events at the Florentine Opera Center. Event details are available on the Florentine Opera website.
  • What is The Boheme Society?
    • This group requires membership and is designed for young professionals with an interest in musical theater, opera, vocal performance, or production. Members can network and support one another while attending parties, film screenings, concerts, artist receptions, and other gatherings. Membership includes mentorship by the Florentine Opera Board, training sessions, personal growth opportunities, and discounts on tickets.
  • What is Talk Opera?
    • One hour before curtain call on mainstage performances, all ticket holders are invited to an in-depth discussion on the opera in the Magin Lounge. These lectures are free with ticket purchase.
  • What is Opera Insights?
    • These community events are hosted at the Wauwatosa Public Library and presented by the Florentine Opera Company. They provide a synopsis of the current opera, background on the piece, and live performances by the Florentine Opera Studio Artists.
  • What is the Florentine Camerata?
    • This LGBTQ-friendly affinity group fosters fellowship within the community and presents a variety of educational events and performances to generate enthusiasm for opera. The group meets at the Cream City Foundation and is sponsored by the Wisconsin Gazette.
  • What educational opportunities does the Florentine Opera Company offer?
    • The Florentine Opera Company has an Education Department dedicated to making opera more inviting and accessible to communities in Wisconsin. The department provides career education in opera, continuing education for adults, and professional development for young artists.
  • What is the Florentine Voice Factory?
    • This special event happens a few times a year and offers free coaching and feedback for community performers and members of the Florentine Opera Chorus. Participants must be at least 18 years old and reserve a time slot. The event is open to the public for those who wish to observe.
  • What is The Young Singing Actor Intensive?
    • This annual week-long summer camp is for students in grades 9-12 pursuing advanced vocal studies. The camp includes workshops and training from the Florentine Artistic Staff and invited clinicians. The final evening features solo and ensemble performances.
  • What is Opera in the Schools?
    • The Florentine Opera Company partners with educators to offer resources and programs that bring opera to schools (grades K-12) through visual, oral, and performance methods. Many programs are also available for libraries and community centers.
  • Where is the Florentine Opera Center located?
    • Address: 930 East Burleigh Street, Lower Level, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212
    • Phone: 414-291-5700

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