Meet the Founder
Kiley Hernandez graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba and has over 20 years of experience as an opera singer. Upon her arrival to Miami in 2007, Kiley Hernandez participated in multiple Zarzuelas and Operas. In 2013, she founded Florida Opera Prima (FOP) to create a space and opportunities for emerging artists to develop their talents. Danilo Dominguez joins FOP as artistic director and stage manager with over 30 years experience in the Opera and Theater here in Miami. Other participating singers and actors of the company are graduates of well-known schools of art with great participation in the Zarzuela and the Opera locally and internationally including Teatro Real de Madrid, Florida Grand Opera, Sociedad Pro Arte Grateli and others. Since its inception in 2013, FOP entertains, delights and educates the diverse audiences of Miami-Dade County with cultural experiences including presentations of Classical Music, Opera, and Zarzuela.
Background and Past Performances
2013
On July 13, 2013, FOP presented “Pavarotti at Memoriam Concert” at Morse Life the Tradition of the Palm Beaches. Artists participating included tenor Lievens Castillo, baritone Fernando Gonzales, soprano Kiley Hernandez and pianist Jorge Emilio Rodriguez.
On October 5, 2013, FOP presented Concierto Lírico “Celebrando La Hispanidad” at Coral Gables Museum. Artists participating included tenor Raul Rodriguez, baritone Fernando Gonzales, soprano Kiley Hernandez, Anzeina Lopes and pianist Sergio Puig.
During the holiday season and specifically on November 30, 2013, and December 8, 2013, FOP presented “Homage to Maestro Ernesto Lecuona” with a cultural exchange between Miami and Madrid at the Coral Gables Museum. Artists participating included tenor Damian Diaz, soprano Kiley Hernandez and the pianist Alberto Joya. On December 22, 2013, a concert to celebrate the holidays including “Merry Christmas Concert” at St. James Catholic Church. Artists participating in this concert were the tenor Raul Rodriguez, the baritone Fernando Gonzales, sopranos Kiley Hernandez, Anzeina Lopes, Maria Del Mar Irizarry and the pianist Felix Spengler.
2014
In conjunction with the Hispanic-American Lyric Theater on March 15, 2014, FOP presented “Noche de Romanzas Concert” at Steinway & Sons at Ponce de Leon Blvd. Artists participating in this concert were the tenor Jose Taules, soprano Kiley Hernandez and the pianist Zayli Escalona. On May 4, 2014, “Easter Classical Concert”, a classical music concert celebrating Easter was presented at St. James Catholic Church, North Miami Beach. Artists participating in this concert were the tenors Alejandro Viera and Raul Rodriguez and soprano Kiley Hernandez. Following our spring concert series, FOP presented on May 7, 2014, on October 12, 2014, a concert “Celebrando La Hispanidad” at St. Bede Episcopal Chapel at the University of Miami. On December 13, 2014, FOP presented a “Christmas Concert” at St. James Catholic Church, North Miami Beach.
2015
Zarzuela presentations started on January 18, 2015, with “The Merry Widow”, at The Colony Theater, Miami Beach and on February 8, 2015, at Manuel Artime Theater, “The Merry Widow”. On March 14, 2015, at Bellas Artes, FOP presented “Theater of Zarzuela”. On July 19, 2015, FOP presented at the Manuel Artime Theater, “Cecilia Valdes” with the participation of 45 artists. In the fall specifically on October 17, 2015, at St Bede Episcopal Chapel at the University of Miami, FOP presented “Antología de la Zarzuela” celebrating Hispanic Heritage and on November 13, 2015, at Manuel Artime Theater, “De España Vengo” and “Antología de Zarzuela Espanola.”
2016
FOP presented “Soy Cubana Concert” on January 31, 2016, and on February 28, 2016, at The Colony Theater, the opera “Il Cenerentolo”. On July 23, 2016, presented the zarzuela “La Leyenda del Beso” at Bellas Artes Theater and closed the season with “La Traviata” on November 20, 2016, at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
2017
FOP started the season with the zarzuela “Luisa Fernanda” at the Jackie Gleason Theater on March 18, 2017. On May 20, 2017, FOP presents “Zarzuela on the Beach”, the first festival of zarzuela in Miami at the Bandshell in Miami Beach
2018
FOP started the season with the zarzuela “Los Gavilanes” on October 1, 2017 at Manuel Artime. In March 18, 2018 presents “The Messiah” at Temple Beth Shmuel. On May 20, 2018, FOP presents “Zarzuela on the Beach”, the second festival of zarzuela in Miami at the Bandshell in Miami Beach, and will be closing the season with “Lucia di Lammermoor” in August 19, 2018 at Temple Beth Shmuel in Miami Beach.
2019
FOP started the season with “The Messiah” on December 9, 2018 at La Merced Chapel and will continue with the performances of “Romerias de España”, “La Traviata”, and “Always Amadeus Concert”
2020
Bel Canto concert 04/5/2020 at Temple Beth Shmuel in Miami Beach.
2021
Rigoletto Concert 01/31/2021 at Temple Beth Shmuel in Miami Beach.
Season 2021-2022
Tarde Lirica Cubana 10/10/2021 at Temple Beth Shmuel in Miami Beach.
Florida Opera Prima 