In the heart of the Amazon lies an enchanting piece of Renaissance Revival architecture and one of Manaus’ most iconic landmarks – Teatro Amazonas. For more than 125 years, this opera house has been part of the rich history, culture, and economy of Amazonas, playing an important role in the development of Manaus. Teatro Amazonas has positively shaped the local community and now serves as the inspiration for the Metropolitan Opera House’s first Latin American production, Florencia en el Amazonas, composed by Daniel Catán with a story by Marcela Fuentes-Berain, which chronicles a Brazilian opera singer’s return home to perform at the legendary opera house in Manaus.

Paralleling the debut of Florencia en el Amazonas at Lincoln Center, the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the International Brazilian Opera Company (IBOC) and the Consulate General of Brazil in New York, hosted a panel discussion showcasing opera as a driver of economic growth.

Peter Gelb, Maria Manetti Shrem General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera House; Flavia Furtado, Executive Director of the Amazonas Opera Festival at Teatro Amazonas; and Andrea Puente-Catán, Director of Development at Ballet Hispánico (and the widow and legacy caregiver of Mexican opera composer Daniel Catán), and Tony Shivers, Director of Government Affairs at Opera America have come together to discuss the positive impacts of opera in their respective cities.

The event highlighted how the opera industry, with its ability to draw participants and audiences back into cities, has great potential for urban renewal post-COVID – and how investment in opera, culture, and tourism can actively reduce our global carbon footprint.

The panel discussion was moderated by Athena Azevedo, Executive Director of the International Brazilian Opera Company (IBOC).

Thank you for joining us for this unique opportunity to learn about opera as a driver of economic growth!