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Edward Villella has left Miami City Ballet eight months early. His wife Linda Villella has also resigned as director of the Miami City Ballet School, and the couple plans to move back to New York City. New artistic director Lourdes Lopez, who was not scheduled to start her position until next April, has already assumed hew new duties.

Miami City Ballet has hired Daniel Hagerty as executive director. Hagerty was director of individual campaigns at the Kennedy Center. He will start his position at MCB at the end of October. MCB has also announced $3 million in new donations since August, including forgiveness of $1 million of the company's $3 million debt. 

The Kravis Center has launched the De George Academy for Performing Arts. Funded by the Lawrence J and Florence A De George Charitable Trust, the Academy will provide year-round performing arts instruction for students in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Activities will include technique and audition preparation workshops, workshops and master classes taught by Broadway cast members, student performance opportunities, and Summer Arts intensive for elementary and middle school students.

The equivalent of luxury skyboxes is coming to the Broward Center. As part of its $50 million in renovations, the Center will be installing Club Level, a VIP section of the mezzanine level which will include wider seats and private access to a soundproof lounge with a bar, food service, and televisions. Club Level will open at the end of October. The second phase of the renovation will commence in December, with construction of an education center and pavilion. The final phase, restoration of lobbies, the courtyard, and the Amaturo Theater, will begin next summer. 

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Conductor Bruno Aprea has left Palm Beach Opera. Aprea, who has served as PBO music director since the 2005-2006 season, has declined to sign a new contract. According to Aprea, the new contract minimized his role as principal conductor and eliminated his position as artistic director. Guest conductors are being engaged for the two productions Aprea was to conduct this season.

Opera Tampa has condensed their 18th season into a three-month Florida Opera Festival which will run from January through March. The festival will include open rehearsals, a holiday concert, and opera-themed movies in addition to three opera productions.

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