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Daniel BiaggiGeneral Director Daniel, aka Swiss D, oversees all artistic planning, organizational events and staff activities, and is spokesperson for the organization in private and public affairs. He loves casting operas as much as raising money, and tries to emulate American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest as Host of the PBO Vocal Competition Grand Finals Concert. Prior to coming to PBO, Daniel was Associate Director at Guy Barzilay International Artist Management in New York, served on the faculties of Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, and Sarah Lawrence College, and worked extensively for the Metropolitan Opera Guild, giving pre-performance introduction lectures and participating in the organization’s various Outreach Programs. A classically trained singer, Daniel has performed operatic roles and recitals in the US and Europe. In his spare time, he loves playing sports, cooking up a storm, and anything that has to do with air travel, including jumping out of planes. Email Daniel |
Bruno Aprea
Artistic Director & Principal Conductor
Maestro Aprea began his musical career as a pianist studying under his father, Tito Aprea, at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome. At the Tanglewood Festival, he won the Koussevitsky Prize, awarded to him by a panel including Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa, becoming the second Italian conductor to win this prize. His operatic repertoire includes practically all the major operas of Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini and Mascagni and the major works of Mozart, Gluck and the French school. With a total of around 100 new productions he has worked with many famous directors and stage designers. When he is not in residence in Palm Beach, Maestro Aprea lives in Rome.
Greg Hirsch
Managing Director
As Director of Production for Palm Beach Opera’s 2011-2012 season, Greg was responsible for the productions of Madama Butterfly, the 50th Anniversary Gala, Romeo et Juliette and Lucia di Lammermor. Prior to PBO, his multifaceted career includes nearly 400 productions divided between opera, theatre and television. A sampling includes: Director of Production—Portland Opera (Jenůfa Sweeney Todd); —San Diego Opera (Boris Godunov, La Boheme). Production Manager—Dallas Opera (Götterdämmerung, La fanciulla del West), Tulsa Opera (The Flying Dutchman, Tosca). In musical theatre, he has worked with such luminaries as Ann-Margaret, Raul Julia, Richard Kiley, Robert Goulet, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Yul Brynner. As a lighting designer for opera and musical theatre, Greg has received two Drama-Logue awards, and the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle and Emmy awards. He serves as a Councilor of Actors’ Equity Association and First Vice Chair of the Stage Managers’ Association. Email Greg
Jeff Mitchell
Director of Artistic Operations
Jeff joined Palm Beach Opera as the Director of Artistic Operations in fall 2011. Just before moving to West Palm Beach he was an Artist Manager for Zemsky Green Artists in New York where he was privileged to work for a roster of many of the most acclaimed vocal artists singing today. Jeff grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, is a flutist, not a flautist, and earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!), and a Master of Music from Yale University School of Music. He enjoys cooking, reading, jogging and is looking forward to winters without snow. Email Jeff
Greg Ritchey
Assistant Conductor & Chorus Master
Greg (aka G$) has been Chorus Master for over 19 productions with Palm Beach Opera and conducts our Family Opera performances. He is also the Assistant Conductor at Opera Theater of Saint Louis and has been on the music staff at Wexford Festival Opera, Dallas Opera, Central City Opera, and Virginia Opera. Originally from Kentucky, he is also noted concert pianist and has performed throughout Europe and the United States. Greg is an avid golfer, Kentucky basketball fan, and likes to unwind with a glass of premium scotch. Email Greg
Bruce Stasyna
Young Artist Program Director
Bruce has been at Palm Beach Opera since 2006 and before that, he was Head of Music for the Minnesota Opera for 7 years. Mr. Stasyna served at Wolf Trap Opera as chorus master and has conducted at Des Moines Metro Opera, Green Mountain Opera Festival, Lake George Opera Festival and Opera Roanoke. Bruce enjoys being green by riding his bike around Palm Beach during season and skydiving. Email Bruce
Salvatore S. Vasta, III
Production & Artistic Services Administrator
Sal is a “jack-of-all-trades” when it comes to preparing and running shows at the opera. His many responsibilities including preparing all contracts, scheduling auditions and coordinates various program logistics, as well as ensuring the smooth transmission of information between all departments. He is also the liaison for the many guest artists/conductors who perform with Palm Beach Opera. Sal attended the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red!), graduated with Bachelors in Music Education, and used to be a classroom music teacher. Email Sal
Joann Serra
Controller & Human Resource Administrator
Joann joined Palm Beach Opera in 2005 as Controller and HR Administrator. She has streamlined and maintains responsibility for overseeing all fiscal and administrative operations. She graduated with a degree in Business Management from Bergen Community College and Finance Certification from Rutgers University. Joann began her non-profit arts career as an Accounting Manager for Jupiter Performing Arts Company and Norton Museum of Art. She lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband, Chuck and their two kitties Cali and Zack. Email Joann
Ann E. Baskind
Donor Relations Coordinator
Ann Baskind has been with Palm Beach Opera since 2000. After starting as a Box Office Associate and becoming Box Office Manager, she is currently the Donor Relations Coordinator working with our high-end donors and special events. Ann is also the Palm Beach Opera Liaison for the Opera Guild. Born in New York City, she is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. Ann is the founder and treasurer of SAD SAC Inc., a no-kill animal rescue group. She enjoys tennis, sharp cheeses, and is an avid animal activist. Email Ann
Alexandra Wasil
Director of Community Engagement
Alex has been with Palm Beach Opera since January of 2006. She’s currently working in the marketing and development departments to grow community awareness through education and outreach programs, corporate support, and grants. Originally from Cape Cod, Alex graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and is a wicked big Red Sox fan. Alex volunteers with the Communication Arts Parent Association at Dreyfoos School of the Arts and is a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Email Alex
Ceci Dadisman
Director of Marketing & PR
Ceci is the arts marketing go-to gal! She manages PBO’s marketing including advertising, collateral materials, email marketing, media relations, social media, website, iPhone app, and live web streaming. A self-professed digital marketing nerd, Ceci was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA – home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and sandwiches and salads with french fries on top. She graduated with a degree in music from West Virginia University (Let’s Go Mountaineers!) and is a professional classical singer specializing in early music and oratorio. Her alter-ego is @agalatcityplace and she does hyperlocal blogging and tweeting from CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach. Email Ceci
Jenna Kennedy
Box Office Manager
Jennifer (also known as Jenna) Kennedy joined PBO in the beginning of Fall in 2008 as a Box Office Systems Administrator. What is that you ask? Jenna’s responsibilities include database management, ticketing management and reporting, customer service and ticketing sales. Opera was introduced to Jenna as a small child by her late father who blasted Luciano Pavarotti throughout the house before there was surround sound. Jenna’s interests span from Asian-themed art & design to relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Palm Beach. She dislikes frogs and flying but loves a soft smooth sounding melody especially from the 80’s! Email Jenna
Christina Sheridan
Box Office & Group Sales Associate
Christina (affectionately called Xtina) joined our Box Office in the Spring of 2009 and took over Group Sales in the Summer of 2010. She is the youngest member of our team and her friendly personality makes her perfect for assisting our patrons on a daily basis. Born and raised in South Florida, she enjoys the sun and warm summer weather. She has 3 adorable Dachshunds: Lily, Lucy, & Largo. She loves theme parks, Lady Gaga, her iPhone 4, & floral print. Email Christina
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