Shows and Education
Comedy is universal. Duelling Divas adapts to almost any setting and audience. Anyone who loves to laugh will love the Divas!
The award-winning performers, sopranos Birgit Fioravante and Wendy Reynolds, along with pianist Dr. Heather Coltman, are well-known to Florida audiences through their associations with Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Opera, the Florida Philharmonic, Boca Raton Sinfonia and Florida Atlantic University. Active as soloists, chamber musicians and recitalists, they have each performed to critical acclaim in diverse local, national and international venues, including New York’s Carnegie Hall. Now through their association, they have written and brought to life this fresh theatrical extravaganza.
“The three have channeled their musical artistry into a comedic revue of well-known opera arias and famous scenes from musical theatre. Branded as culture meets comedy, their show has become an inspired standout in operatic theatre.” (Ocala Magazine)
Duelling Divas: The Battle Begins!
- Duelling Mad Scenes | photo © Ann Parry Photography
You’ll never think of Opera the same way again. You’ll be shaken. You’ll be stirred. You’ll laugh until you cry. Duelling Divas is the smartest, campiest twist on opera that has come our way in—well, forever. You’ll fall in love with Vladka. You’ll fall in love with Gwendoline. You’ll fall in love with Paige. Opera virgin or junkie, you will LOVE this show! …and you’ll leave the theater with a smile.
A full 90-minute show, optional intermission. Set, 18 costumes, three performers (two sopranos and one pianist).
Shorter segments of “The Battle Begins!” are adaptable to most spaces and time requirements. Dinners, fundraisers, corporate events, cocktail hour, openings, you name it. The Divas, in character and in costume, are also available to mix with your guests.
Click for: Sample program | Tech Rider | Bios | The Birth of Duelling Divas
Divas in Song
- photo © JadePhotoArt
The cast of Duelling Divas in a more traditional recital – with a Duelling Divas teaser for good measure.
Click here for BIOS on this site, or for each musician's complete website:
Educational Residencies
As musicians and music educators, the performers have taught and directed at all levels of education from elementary school to university level. They conduct master classes, discussions and Q&A with students about the business of music, making both classroom appearances and performances, and integrating topics of discussion including history, political science, art, and costuming.
Traditional master classes welcome both singers and pianists, theatre and classical music groups. Chorus can even be integrated into the show for select numbers.
Residencies begin with a modest appearance of two singers with CD track, up to all three performers with grand piano. Performers frequently "roam" campus in costume, interview on student radio and TV, and for student publications.
All students - even those with little to no musical or theatrical exposure - relate to and connect with the Divas! Many even explore opera and other live performing arts on YouTube as a result, and elect to attend the staged version of "Duelling Divas: The Battle Begins!"
