Power couple Julia Lemigova and Martina Navratilova honored two nonprofits close to their hearts, Florida Grand Opera (FGO) and Advocates for Children and Families (ACF), at an exclusive event held at the luxurious Lafayette Steakhouse in Miami on December 10, 2024. The intimate event brought together leadership from both organizations, families who have adopted children, prominent members of the arts, media and business and celebrities including some of the cast from
The Real Housewives of Miami.
The gathering also marked the launch of Florida Grand Opera’s Miami Voice Club, a membership club that creates bespoke cultural experiences for opera lovers and supporters of the arts in Miami. Membership contributions to the club will support FGO programs that serve the wider community, benefiting over 30 nonprofits through the healing power of opera.
Guests were treated to a stunning performance by Julia alongside Laura León, who recently starred as the Queen of the Night in Florida Grand Opera’s, original production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Julia, who has been training with internationally acclaimed baritone Louis Otey, performed Caro mio ben, a deeply personal piece she credits with helping her family through challenging times, including Martina’s recent battle with cancer and the couple’s adoption of two young children.
“Opera was my therapy,” shared Julia. “It became a tool for resilience and healing during some of the hardest moments of our lives.”
In a surprise announcement, Maria Todaro, General Director of Florida Grand Opera, invited Julia to have a role in FGO’s upcoming production of Carmen, which will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in April 2025.
Martina Navratilova, renowned tennis legend, further contributed to the evening’s purpose by donating one of her iconic tennis-inspired paintings to be auctioned for the benefit of both nonprofits. Advocates for Children and Families also received a special gift: tickets for families to attend FGO’s upcoming season.
“Opera, with its saturation of high frequencies in the human voice, the overwhelming beauty of its sets, costumes, and ballet, the roaring sound of the orchestra, and the seamless integration of all art forms, has been a profound source of healing and connection for over four centuries. Long before we paid attention to immersive arts, opera was touching hearts and transforming communities across the globe,” said Maria Todaro General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera.
“Today, we witnessed its timeless ability to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. Florida Grand Opera is proud to carry this tradition forward year-round in South Florida, opening minds and hearts to the transformative power of opera. As we begin the holiday season, this event beautifully showcased the joy and hope that opera can bring, while giving back to those who need it most.”
The event featured a specialty cocktail by Luneoir Tequila, aptly named Queen of the Night in honor of Laura León’s role, with venue and hors d’oeuvres and refreshments donated by the talented team at Lafayette Steakhouse. The event was produced for Florida Grand Opera and Julia Lemigova by Up To More Good, a company dedicated to empowering brands and individuals to harness the power of purpose, fostering meaningful impact within communities.
Spread the love!