Director For 25 Of Florida Grand Operas Near 70 Years Vocal Arts Supporter Bob Heuer Looks Toward The Future

Florida Grand Opera General Director and CEO Bob Heuer has worked for the past three decades transforming the organization into one of South Florida’s most prominent performing arts groups and is determined to keep it that way.

He’ll celebrate his 25th year as general director at a fête in the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts this month.

While the opera next year will celebrate its 70th anniversary, Mr. Heuer says he’s thinking of how to celebrate its 75th in style and how to ensure the opera remains strong once he steps down.

"I think it’s going to be important as we get to the 75th anniversary… there probably should be another commission of a new opera," he said.

The opera was founded in 1941 under then-General Director Arturo di Filippi. Mr. Heuer is only its third director and is responsible for turning it into the organization it is today.

In 1994, he oversaw the merger of the Greater Miami Opera Association with the Opera Guild Inc. of Fort Lauderdale to form the Florida Grand Opera.

Mr. Heuer discussed the company and its future with Miami Today staff writer Zachary S. Fagenson. To read this profile article in its entirety, subscribe to Miami Today’s E-paper. With the E-paper you will be able to read the entire contents of Miami Today online exactly as it appears in print. Or order this issue, to receive a regular printed copy of this week’s Miami Today. You may also subscribe to the printed edition of Miami Today to receive the newspaper every week by mail. Advertisement