By Thais Menendez, Florida Grand Opera

Florida Grand Opera, the state’s oldest arts organization, starts a new tradition this season by honoring renowned opera star Deborah Voigt with an extravagant black tie celebration entitled “Smoke & Mirrors,” hosted by event chairs Gloria Portal and Isa Leibowitz. Held at the DuPont Building in Downtown Miami on October 26, 2013, this will be the first of many elegant affairs to commemorate established artists as an official opener to the company’s opera season.

“We are delighted to begin our tradition of lifetime achievement awards by honoring Ms. Voigt, who is not only one of opera’s all-time greats, but also has a strong history with the company,” said Susan T. Danis, CEO and General Director of Florida Grand Opera. “I cannot think of a better way to start our new season.”

With a career spanning more than two decades, American soprano Deborah Voigt has garnered international fame for her robust voice, dramatic ability, and versatility. Known for critically-acclaimed performances of Wagner and Strauss repertoire, Voigt made her debut with the Florida Grand Opera in 1996 as Ariadne in Ariadne auf Naxos, followed by Lady Macbeth in Verdi’s Macbeth in 1999. The Grammy-nominated artist and Metropolitan Opera regular later returned to perform the title role in Puccini’s Tosca in 2001.

Welcoming guests in their darkest formalwear, “Smoke & Mirrors” begins at 7 p.m. with a seated four-course dinner followed by dancing and performances by members of FGO’s Young Artist Program. The height of the evening will come as Ms. Voigt rises to the podium to accept an award honoring a lifetime of artistic accomplishments. When the clock strikes 10 p.m., the house band will retire as one of Miami’s hottest DJs opens FGO’s first ever after-party, “Crash the Bash.” Led by Crescendo Circle, FGO’s young professionals group, the city’s up-and-comers will take over the dance floor, mingling with artists and established philanthropists.

EVENT INFORMATION: Reservations, subject to availability, begin at $500 per person for individual seating and table reservations range from $7,500 to $25,000. To reserve tables or individual tickets for “Smoke & Mirrors,” please contact Amy Funk at (305) 854-1643 or [email protected]. For more information, visit http://www.fgo.org/smokeandmirrors.

Deborah Voigt, photo by Peter Ross