Ceci Dadisman is director of communications for Palm Beach Opera, a 2013 winner of Knight Arts Challenge South Florida.

On Dec. 13, we presented our second annual Opera @ The Waterfront concert at Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach. It was as successful as a company could hope. The crowds came out and enjoyed the 90-minute concert on a perfect, 70-degree afternoon. We had nearly 100 performers on stage including internationally renowned singers, tenor James Valenti and baritone Michael Chioldi. They were joined by our 2014/2015 season Palm Beach Opera Young Artists, and our full orchestra and chorus. RELATED LINKS

“Palm Beach Opera goes digital” by Ceci Dadisman on Knight Blog, 10/02/14

“Palm Beach Opera makes Opera @ The Waterfront interactive” by Ceci Dadisman on Knight Blog, 12/08/14

We estimate that 3,700 to 4,000 people attended, which is a huge increase from the 2,500 who joined us in 2013. And more than 300 unique visitors viewed our live stream online! Families of our singers from around the world who were unable to come to Palm Beach even hosted viewing parties by projecting our live stream on the walls of their homes.

Our audience also was interactive. More than 350 people downloaded the Opera @ The Waterfront app, and used it during the concert. They were able to see fun facts about each aria pushed out to them in real time. They also had access to a complete program listing, full aria translations, and artist headshots and bios.

We couldn’t have asked for a better Opera @ The Waterfront experience. We are so grateful to Knight Foundation for awarding us the Knight Arts Challenge matching grant. It gave us the opportunity to engage our community in a meaningful way. It is so important to us that we are able to take opera out of the opera house and share our music with as many people as possible.

We will be back with another Opera @ The Waterfront at the end of this year at Meyer Amphitheatre.  Mark your calendars for 12/12/2015 and we hope to see you there!