Co-Producer Society Co-Producer
SEASON 79 I 25
Barbara C. Copanos
Barbara C. Copanos grew up with a love of opera
and has instilled that interest in others through her
work as a performer, educator, and fundraiser. She
was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where her father
was among the founding members of the Baltimore
Opera Company. Barbara began her vocal education
at the Peabody Preparatory School of Music before
enrolling at the University of Miami, where she studied
with Florida Grand Opera’s founder, Dr. Arturo di
Filippi. After graduating as a voice major, she received
a master’s degree in performing arts in Bordighera,
Italy. She was also a young artist with FGO under di
Filippi and an understudy for Patrice Munsel.
Barbara concertized throughout the United States,
Italy, and Canada. Stepping behind the scenes, she
became a Baltimore Opera Board member and the
in Baltimore. She made the transition to education
following her move to Fort Lauderdale, where she was
on the faculty of the International Winter School and
taught music and ancient history.
An active member of the South Florida music and culture scene, Barbara serves on Florida Grand Opera’s Board of
Directors and as past president of the Opera Society of Fort Lauderdale. She was also honored with Florida Grand Opera’s
through their passion and commitment to the art form. She is the founder of the Diva/Impresario Awards Luncheon, an
annual event of the Opera Society. Barbara has been a very generous supporter of Florida Grand Opera.
Conservatory, Johns Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Center, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.