Local Talent Shines in Frost School of Music's New 'The Leopard' Opera Album

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The Frost School of Music has released a new recording of the American opera 'The Leopard' through NAXOS, a prominent classical music label. This opera, first premiered two years ago, was recorded live in March 2022 at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in South Miami-Dade. It is based on the 1958 novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and the 1963 film by Luchino Visconti, depicting the decline of the Italian aristocracy through the experiences of a Sicilian prince and his family.

Michael Dellaira composed 'The Leopard' with a libretto by J. D. McClatchy, a respected poet, editor, and librettist. The project, originally commissioned by American Opera Projects, was premiered by the Frost School of Music under the direction of Professor Alan Johnson, the music director of the Frost Opera Theater.

The premiere received positive reviews, with critics praising the production. The recording features performances by Frost vocal faculty members Kim Josephson, Robynne Redmon, and Frank Ragsdale, as well as Frost vocal students. Maestro Gerard Schwarz conducted the Frost Symphony Orchestra for the performances.