West Orange alum, Opera Orlando director to present concert

In celebration of his recent Grammy win, Opera Orlando director Gabriel Preisser is preparing for a special concert that will be live-streamed in September.

The concert will take place live from the Timucua Arts Foundation at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Preisser will present his personal opera and musical-theater favorites. Chev Lovett will act as the event host, with Robin Stamper on piano.

The West Orange High alumnus won the Grammy as a principal soloist for Best Opera Recording — along with conductor Gil Rose, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and the cast of Tobias Picker's "Fantastic Mr. Fox — in January. The award has arrived and will make an appearance at the concert.

"Winning a Grammy is a major accomplishment, and we are so happy for Gabe," Opera Orlando Board President John Wettach said in a press release. "We are also grateful for him agreeing to present this concert as a fundraiser for Opera Orlando and in a sense share this wonderful recognition with all of us. Gabe has led Opera Orlando for five years now while maintaining an active performance career, and we are the better for it, as seen by moments like this. Opera Orlando is honored to have a Grammy award-winner leading the way."

Preisser has assumed more than 40 operatic and musical-theater roles over his career. He is a 2016 League of American Orchestras Emerging Artist. Additionally, he will perform live at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts later this season as he sings Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus: The Revenge of the Bat." 

Although the concert is free, donations will be accepted as a fundraiser for Opera Orlando. Viewers can watch via live-stream through Opera Orlando's YouTube and Facebook pages. Additionally, a $75 donation will give donors access to a private link for Opera Orlando's fifth anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 20.

For more information, visit Opera Orlando's website or call (407) 512-1900.