Island classical music fans have rapidly become fans of the Broadway Musical Series events, produced by Great Performances of Florida LLC, the event planning company founded by Key Biscayne resident Mica Konin.
The event offers quality music in an intimate setting.
The events, held at the Ocean Club, raise funds for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The next event is set for Wednesday, Oct. 22, again at the Ocean Club.
Recently, the Islander News had a chance to discuss the Broadway Musical Series with Konin.
IN: Mica, why did you start Great Performances of Florida?
MK: I felt there was a gap in the cultural fabric of our community. Florida has world-class talent, but not always the platforms to showcase it in an intimate, high-quality setting.
IN: What do you hope to achieve for the community?
MK: Community is at the heart of everything I do…it’s about people. I want to build bridges: between generations, cultures, and young professional artists. I believe arts thrive when communities are engaged and hope Key Biscayne residents connect, feel welcomed, and are inspired.
IN: What is your wish list for the company’s future?
MK: My dream is to continue our quarterly programming and have Great Performances of Florida become a fixture in the state’s cultural calendar, while keeping Key Biscayne Community exposed to new and fabulous talent.
IN: You’ve often spoken about supporting young performers. Can you share more?
MK: Absolutely. Too often, emerging artists don’t have enough venues to perform, experiment, and grow. Great Performances of Florida is committed to providing opportunities for them, whether that’s a recital in a private space or simply a platform. My dream is to make Florida a nurturing ground for future stars.
IN: What is your favorite music?
MK: Italian opera will always have my heart. The passion of Puccini, the elegance of Verdi, the timeless beauty of Mozart, there’s something in those melodies that goes straight to the soul.
I’ve had the privilege of watching young singers I first met as students, or younger, now perform on the great stages of the world (La Scala, The Met, Paris Opera, Houston) and that has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
I grew up in a home where music was the heartbeat of our family life. After dinner, the evenings would often turn into impromptu concerts. My father loved to sing, and my mother played the piano. Our living room was filled with the sounds of Rachmaninov and Gershwin, Cole Porter and Sinatra, music that carried us from the grand emotions of classical to the effortless charm of Old Hollywood.
Performances still feel like a continuation of those family evenings, a thread of memory woven into my make up.
IN: What inspires you personally?
MK: Human resilience, the way we have the ability to take life’s emotions, joy to heartbreak, transform them into something transcendent. Watching a soprano pour her heart into a Puccini aria, or a tenor give everything in a Verdi duet, reminds me of the power of human expression. I’m also inspired by my daughters, watching them blossom (be it in Germany or France). We must set examples and show them cultural responsibility.
In Santiago, I’ve been deeply involved as a Board Member with the Amigos of Teatro Municipal and its young donors’ circle, Socios Jóvenes, which I launched and chaired since 2022, supporting both emerging talent and the preservation of one of South America’s most important cultural institutions. I’ve seen first hand how philanthropy ensures that the next generation of artists can continue to grow, innovate, and inspire.
In the US, my focus had extended to organizations such as the Concert Assoc. of Florida; or currently, my Board positions with the Young Associates of the Metropolitan Opera, International Women’s Forum, and the National Museum of Women of the Arts… causes that align with my values of celebrating women, leadership, and excellence.
I work closely with The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (The Foundation of Villa Vizcaya, I am actually the youngest Board Member in their history!)
Philanthropy is not only about giving but about participating in the building of these bridges—between audiences/donors and artists.
IN: What excites you about the road ahead?
MK: It is the seeds we are planting now that will grow into a legacy – Great Performances of Florida stands for excellence, opportunity, and joy through music!
To learn more about Great Performances of Florida, click here or visit their Instagram page here.