First Awardee of Florentine Opera’s Marie Z. Uihlein Artist Fund
Vivica Genaux is the 2004-2005 recipient of Florentine Opera’s Marie Z. Uihlein Artist Fund sponsorship. One of today’s leading exponents of the Baroque and bel canto repertoire. Ms. Genaux is applauded on the world’s great musical stages, not only for her astonishing technical prowess and vocal beauty, but also for her vivid character portrayals.
Ms. Genaux began her career as Isabella in the Florentine Opera’s 1994 production of L’Italiana in Algeri. In a recent interview with Florentine staff, Ms. Genaux recalled, “The Florentine Opera company holds a very special place for me as Dennis Hanthorn and Maestro Rescigno were the very first to entrust me with a leading role when I was still a very young singer. Because of the opportunity they gave me, I was immediately engaged with other opera companies, but that first job is often the most difficult and crucial to a young singer, and I was very fortunate to have had their support.”
In 2004, Marie Uihlein, a longtime Florentine supporter, contributed the Company’s first million-dollar gift to establish the Marie Z. Uihlein Artist Fund. Earnings from the gift’s investment will sponsor a singer of superlative quality each season. Ms. Genaux’s captivating voice and stellar career, along with her special place in Florentine history, make her the perfect first recipient of this special award.
