MIAMI BEACH CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL UNVEILS SUMMER SERIES

Local Nonprofit Dedicated to the Arts Returns June 27 to July 28 with Immersive Musical Performances, Operas and Live Concerts by Talented South Florida Artists and Next-Generation Musicians

 Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF), a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable, world-class musical instruction and groundbreaking performance experiences to young artists and the South Florida community, returns for its highly anticipated 2024 summer series. From June 27 to July 28, MMF will welcome over 200 classical musicians to Miami Beach to showcase their talents in various free public performances and ticketed events, including three full opera productions and three symphonic concerts. After last year’s sold-out performances of its groundbreaking new fusion of live symphony and immersive projections, MMF’s Immersive Space Symphony will also return with six performances at the Faena Forum. 

Building on the overwhelming success of last year’s immersive performances, MMF is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of live music, theater and technology through projection mapping. Its musical experiences will feature the return of its popular Fourth of July orchestra and fireworks show at Lummus Park, an immersive symphony concert at Faena Forum, live renditions of Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking and Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre, and an immersive performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. 

The full summer program includes:

• Opera Aria Night: The Magic Flute Cast – Thursday, June 27, at 8 p.m. at The Betsy Hotel 

MMF brings South Florida audiences the best classical music experiences and offers regular opportunities to hear opera’s next generation of singers perform the genre’s greatest hits.

Address: The Betsy Hotel Art Gallery, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Annual Independence Day Fireworks & Patriotic Concert – Thursday, July 4, at 8:30 p.m. at Lummus Park 

The annual fireworks show and concert presented by the Ocean Drive Association and the City of Miami Beach will feature a performance at 8:30 p.m. by the MMF Symphony Orchestra and Alumni Division singers conducted by MMF founder and artistic director Michael Rossi. Celebrate the holiday listening to Broadway favorites and patriotic music, including Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture, the Armed Forces Salute, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and more. The performance will be accompanied by fireworks at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations at one of the many alfresco ocean-view restaurants or bring beach chairs, blankets and picnics.

Address: Lummus Park, Ocean Drive and 12th Street, Miami Beach, FL 

• Immersive The Magic Flute Opera – Saturday, July 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 7, at 2 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El 

Experience Mozart’s The Magic Flute like never before! Join MMF for a captivating evening of music, magic and adventure in a unique immersive theater setting. As the performance unfolds, projections will dance around the room, transporting the audience to the opera’s magical world. Follow the journey of a heroic prince and a determined princess as they encounter enchanted creatures, an evil queen and, ultimately, each other – all with the help of a magic flute. Part of MMF’s popular Family Opera series, this production is created specifically for young children and will be performed with English dialogue. Mozart’s classic “Singspiel” includes both spoken and sung dialogue, with familiar melodies the audience can sing along to. 

Address: Temple Emanu-El Ballroom, 1701 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Chamber Music Concert – Monday, July 8, at 8 p.m. at The Betsy Hotel

Every season, MMF’s Orchestral Institute draws a remarkable pool of talent from around the globe. This Chamber Concert will be composed of student musicians who select their own programs and are coached by MMF’s distinguished faculty and artists-in-residence.

Address: The Betsy Hotel Art Gallery, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Conductor’s Symphony Concert – Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El

The next generation of symphonic conductors trains at MMF’s Conducting Institute. These emerging artists study all aspects of the art of conducting with acclaimed faculty and gain valuable experience leading a full orchestra while being coached. Institute fellows then have an opportunity to show off their artistry in a public concert. See MMF Institute fellows perform for the first time in Miami Beach as they play pieces by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. 

Address: Temple Emanu-El Sanctuary, 1701 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Jake Heggie Tribute Concert – Friday, July 12, at 8 p.m. at The Betsy Hotel 

Join MMF for a special tribute concert honoring composer Jake Heggie, featuring select scenes from his acclaimed operas performed by singers from MMF’s Opera Apprentice Program. Experience the emotional depth and exquisite melodies of Dead Man Walking, Facing Forward/Looking Back and Three Decembers while celebrating Heggie’s remarkable contributions to opera. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy these masterpieces in the presence of the composer himself!

Address: The Betsy Hotel Art Gallery, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Dead Man Walking Opera – Saturday, July 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 14, at 2 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El

Based on the impactful book and film interpretation of the same name, acclaimed composer Jake Heggie takes on the true story that forever influenced the modern debate on the death penalty in America. When a New Orleans-based Catholic nun agrees to become pen pals with an inmate convicted of murder on death row, her entire worldview on life, death, forgiveness and capital punishment is challenged forever. Heggie is personally working with MMF’s Opera Institute cast to guarantee this production will be a poignant retelling of the modern setting, featuring libretto by Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally of Master Class and Ragtime.

Address: Temple Emanu-El Ballroom, 1701 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

• Immersive Die Walküre (Act 3) – Saturday, July 20, at 8 p.m. at Faena Forum

Experience the thrilling climax of Richard Wagner’s epic masterpiece, Die Walküre, as Act 3 comes to life in a mesmerizing immersive performance that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Join MMF for an evening of drama, passion and unforgettable music as it delves into the heart of this legendary opera. In Act 3, the stakes are higher than ever as the fate of gods and mortals hangs in the balance. Witness the intense confrontation between Wotan and his beloved daughter, Brünnhilde, as their destinies collide amidst a storm of betrayal and redemption. From the iconic “Ride of the Valkyries” to the poignant final moments of sacrifice and transcendence, every note resonates with power and emotion. The performance will be presented in MMF’s unique immersive theater setting, using state-of-the-art 360-degree projection-mapping technology to place the audience within the scenes of the opera.

Address: Faena Forum, 3300-3398 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140

• Immersive Space Symphony – July 18 & 19 at 7 p.m. and July 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Faena Forum

Be transported to a world beyond imagination with MMF’s Immersive Space Symphony, a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience designed by artistic director Michael Rossi that combines cutting-edge projection-mapping technology with the power of a full orchestra. Through Gustav Holst’s The Planets, Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra opening music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and selections from Hans Zimmer’s epic soundtrack for Interstellar, MMF will take you on a musical journey to the outer reaches of the galaxy – all without leaving your seat! From Jupiter’s explosive energy to Saturn’s mesmerizing rings, The Planets captures the essence of each planet’s unique character, revealing the majesty and wonder of our universe in a way that will leave you breathless. This is a ticketed event. For tickets, click here. 

Address: Faena Forum, 3300-3398 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140 

Miami Beach Classical Music Festival will also continue its summer promenade concerts in Miami Beach, hosted every Sunday in July at 6 p.m. Concerts include:  

• Arias at Sunset – July 7 

Join MMF for an enchanting evening as the cast of Dead Man Walking presents a special opera aria concert. This event features the performers’ favorite opera selections, offering a diverse and captivating repertoire. Ahead of the performances on July 13 and 14, this concert provides a unique opportunity to experience the cast’s exceptional talent and emotional depth. 

• Arias at Sunset – July 14

Experience the powerful voices of the MMF cast of Die Walküre in a special opera aria concert. In anticipation of their July 20 performance, the cast will present a selection of their favorite arias from the vast opera repertoire. This concert promises to showcase the remarkable talent and dramatic intensity of these exceptional performers. 

• Bridges to Panama featuring Sound Impact – July 21

This captivating chamber music concert features MMF and Sound Impact in a unique cultural collaboration with Panamanian artists and MMF musicians. Through this cultural partnership, the concert aims to bridge the artistic landscapes of both countries, creating an evening of shared heritage and musical excellence.

• Youth Program Spectacular – July 28 

Join MMF for the Youth Program Showcase, featuring the incredible talents of local Miami-Dade high school students. After a summer of dedicated training in various genres, including opera, musical theater and jazz, these young performers are ready to shine on stage! Come support and celebrate the next generation of vocal talent in an inspiring evening of music and performances.

Produced by Michael Rossi, MMF founder and artistic director, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and the City of Miami Beach, MMF’s summer season will span a diverse range of genres, promising to captivate audiences of all ages. 

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, MMF is South Florida’s first immersive symphony and opera experience and the first theater company to implement 360-degree projection-mapping technology in a live performance. Previous state-of-the-art project-mapping performances include the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, a Valentine’s Day performance at the Betsy Hotel, and several summertime performances at Faena Forum as part of MMF’s annual summer festival.

For tickets and more information about Miami Beach Classical Music Festival, visit miamimusicfestival.com.

About Miami Beach Classical Music Festival

Founded in 2013, Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF) is a local nonprofit providing affordable, world-class musical instruction and groundbreaking performance experiences to young artists and the South Florida community. Since its inception, the organization has helped establish Miami as a premier destination for elite young classical musicians to train and perform. While the next generation of classical artists comes to Miami to receive instruction from an assembly of world-class faculty, the community benefits from accessible public concerts featuring top talent alongside many of classical music’s greatest living performers rarely heard in South Florida. Recently, MMF became the first nonprofit organization to utilize innovative projection-mapping technology, transforming its already-stellar performances into immersive, awe-inspiring productions of music and light. For more information, visit miamimusicfestival.com.