In partnership with University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College, Opera Orlando will
present a panel talk entitled Having a Voice - OnStage and at the Table with acclaimed soprano
and arts administrator Cecilia Violetta López, renowned conductor and non-profit founder
Stephanie Rhodes Russell, Burnett Honors College Dean Sheila Pineres, with a special virtual
guest appearance by entrepreneur, author, and speaker Molly Bloom. The conversation will center
around female leaders on stage and off stage in the arts world. This event will be free and open to
the public.
Ms. López and Ms. Rhodes Russell will be in Orlando for La Traviata rehearsals which opens on
October 29 at the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Conducted
by Stephanie Rhodes Russell, the production takes inspiration from the life and experiences of
Molly Bloom,who at 26 years old ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game, became
an FBI target, and lost everything. Both Violetta, the lead character in La Traviata performed by
Cecilia Violetta López, and Bloom own their life choices and navigate their questionable
circumstances with a moral integrity that makes the tragic ending of the opera all the more
heartbreaking.
“Given we have two dynamos leading our production of La Traviata both on the stage and in the
pit with Cecilia and Stephanie, we wanted to find a way to feature their impressive careers both as
performers and entrepreneurs,” states Gabriel Preisser, general director for Opera Orlando. “It was an added bonus for us to involve Molly Bloom who’s unique and dramatic life story served as
inspiration for our updated take on La Traviata.”
“The Burnett Honors College and UCF are thrilled to partner with Opera Orlando to showcase
what can be accomplished when women are empowered,” states Burnett Honors College Dean,
Dr. Sheila Piñeres. “BHC enthusiastically supports scholars in the pursuit of their dreams across
a variety of disciplines, including the arts.”