One Voice Orlando: Opera Responds to Pulse Tragedy

On September 11, One Voice Orlando: A Celebration in Song will bring the entire community together in response to the Pulse nightclub tragedy. The benefit concert will feature some of opera’s brightest national stars as well as musicians from across the state.

The funds raised during the One Voice Orlando Show will have a huge impact on trauma care in the area. Gabriel Preisser, executive and artistic director for Opera Orlando, says they plan to honor the doctors and staff of the Orlando Regional Medical Center’s Level One Trauma Center during the concert.

“One of the main reasons we are presenting this concert is to give back to the community and recognize the men and women that responded so valiantly during this tragedy,” he says.

Along with assisting the efforts of the Orlando Regional Medical Center, which treated 44 of the Pulse nightclub victims, the special evening of song will also benefit a variety of local nonprofit organizations that support love and respect for all, including:

Orlando Regional Medical Center – Central Florida’s only Level One Trauma Center

The GLBT Center of Central Florida – the largest free HIV testing agency in Central Florida that was also the first agency on the scene of the Pulse tragedy and remains in the forefront of victim and family support and care services

Proyecto Somos Orlando – a nonprofit that offers a wraparound services model that addresses the long-term support, mental health and legal services needs of the communities affected by the Pulse tragedy, at the hands of the bilingual/bicultural professionals at a full-service center in Orlando

Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida – an organization dedicated to combating all forms of hate and prejudice, to building the foundation of social change through its extensive educational and cultural programs, and to creating a community in which diversity is celebrated and all people feel respected

Zebra Coalition – a unique program, which is comprised of service groups, government agencies, social service providers, churches, corporations, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, that offers aid in providing essential services for LGBT+ youth at risk or in need

Interfaith Council of Central Florida – an organization that seeks to create a better, more peaceful community by encouraging greater understanding of, respect for and cooperation among our region’s many faith traditions

Confirmed performers include sopranos Ana Maria Martinez and Cecilia Violetta Lopez, mezzo soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, tenors Javier Abreu and Chad Johnson, and baritones Davis Gaines and Mark Walters. The Orlando Ballet and an orchestra comprised of regional professionals who will be donating their services are joining Opera Orlando during the benefit performance.

In addition, the planners of One Voice Orlando received tremendous help from businesses in the community. Jet Blue is providing complimentary air travel to and from the northeast to Orlando. Residence Inn Marriott, Orlando Downtown is providing complimentary hotel rooms for visiting artists. Courtyard Marriott Downtown is providing complimentary hotel rooms for visiting artists and dramatically reduced rates for choristers and instrumentalists. Hampton Inn and Suites Orlando/Downtown South – Medical Center is providing dramatically reduced rates for choristers and instrumentalists. Select Specialty Hospital is generously providing funds to cover additional traveling expenses for visiting artists.

Local nonprofit organizations also donated to the efforts. Timucua Arts Foundation dedicated its energies and connections to put together the over 50-piece professional orchestra. Subito Music Corporation is providing the orchestral, solo and choral music for the benefit’s world premiere of Paul Moravec’s “Light Shall Lift Us.” The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra provided rehearsal space and other support for the orchestra and the musical parts for some selections that will be performed in the benefit concert.

Event details:

When: September 11
Where: Dr. Phillip Center for the Performing Arts
Time: 8 p.m.
Price: $25-$125
For more information: 844.513.2014