Media Contact: Justin Moss, [email protected] , 305-854-1643 ext. 1600 FGO Young Artist Jonathan G. Michie Awarded William Matheus Sullivan Musical Foundation Grant Miami, FL – December 5, 2010 – The William Matheus Sullivan Musical Foundation awarded ten $11,000 grants to young artists who auditioned for the Foundation in New York on November 14 & 15, 2010. Baritone Jonathan G. Michie, this year’s Isabel and Marvin Leibowitz Young Artist, was one of the winners. A native of New York, Mr. Michie is now in his second year as a member of Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Studio. Mr. Michie’s Sullivan Foundation award is named for Theodor Uppman, the famed baritone who was a longtime member of the Board of the Foundation. “I am deeply honored to be a Sullivan Foundation grant recipient, and especially grateful to receive the Theodor Uppman award. He is an artist I greatly admire, and whose work I hope to emulate. My training as a member of FGO’s Young Artist studio has been invaluable in furthering my career, and I look forward to an on-going relationship with the company over the years.” “This is one of the most prestigious awards for young singers in the country,” stated FGO General Director and C.E.O. Robert M. Heuer, “and we’re extremely proud of Jonathan, who is one of this year’s recipients. When he came to our Young Artist Studio last season, we all sensed that his was a very special talent, and he has made a terrific contribution to each of the productions he has been in.” Mr. Michie is currently performing the role of Ping, one of the three Imperial ministers in FGO’s highly acclaimed production of Turandot, and will appear later in the season as Herman in The Tales of Hoffmann and Masetto in Don Giovanni. He will be joining San Francisco Opera’s prestigious Merola Program next season, and has been engaged by FGO to return for a role in one of the 2011- 2012 season productions. In addition to these cash awards, which may be used for any career-related purpose, for the next five years winners are eligible to apply for Preparation Grants for new roles, which is one of the unique features of the Sullivan program. Judges for the auditions were famed soprano Christine Brewer, Santa Fe Opera general director Charles MacKay, and Boston Symphony Artistic Administrator Anthony Fogg. The foundation was established in 1956 through the bequest of a prominent lawyer, William Matheus Sullivan, and its first director was Edward Johnson, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera from 1935 until 1950. Continued on following page . Close to 500 singers have received Sullivan Awards, among them Christine Brewer, Jessye Norman, Jerry Hadley, Kathleen Battle, Michael Devlin, Renee Fleming, Leona Mitchell, Susan Graham, Patricia Racette, and Elizabeth Futral, who will be heard later this season at FGO as all four of Hoffmann’s love interests in The Tales of Hoffmann. About Florida Grand Opera Florida Grand Opera was formed in June 1994 by the merger of Greater Miami Opera, founded in 1941, and The Opera Guild Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, founded in 1945. Celebrating its 70th season of continuous performances during the 2010- 2011 season, Florida Grand Opera stands as one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Florida. In addition to producing standard repertoire, Florida Grand Opera also presents lesser known operas, as well as commissions and produces new operas. Annually, performances are attended by nearly 65,000 people, and education and outreach programs serve over 11,000 students. FGO offers several highly successful outreach and educational programs, including its internationally-recognized Young Artist Studio. Founded in 1984, the program attracts young singers who train and enhance their professional skills during a 35-week Miami residency. Florida Grand Opera, recognized for funding by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided, in part, by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council. Program support is provided by the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council. Florida Grand Opera is a Resident Company of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and a Level 1 member company of OPERA America. American Airlines is the Official Airline, Intercontinental Miami is the Official Hotel and Steinway & Sons is the Official Piano of Florida Grand Opera. # # # 2 .