While the fully staged operas receive a great deal of attention, the cabaret series has been equally successful. Artists in the early stages of their careers are engaged to sing arias and other musical works in Lenfell Hall. Two to four singers perform at each cabaret, and the season has grown from two events to six. Two recent programs celebrated the work of Verdi and music from Broadway. Opera at Florham's commitment to the rising artist is seen most clearly in the Violetta DuPont Vocal Competition.
Finalists compete on the campus for cash prizes and an engagement the following season.
Many winners and finalists have gone on to perform at major opera houses around the world. With such talented performers on stage, the success of Opera at Florham is no surprise, but Reeves also credits the stars behind the scenes, those who have put in countless hours setting the stage, including FDU students and faculty. FDU's Professor of Theater Richard Turick is Opera at Florham's technical director and has been production designer and production manager since 1997. Students have worked on the technical crew, helping to build sets and run lighting, and working as ushers and stagehands, etc. They really contribute greatly to our productions, and it's a terrific experience for them.