Andrew Hiers Plans Self-Sustaining Florida Opera Company at 38 After Viral Car-Sales Arias
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 23
Andrew Hiers Plans Self-Sustaining Florida Opera Company at 38 After Viral Car-Sales Arias
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 23
Summary
Andrew Hiers, a 38-year-old bass-baritone and car salesman in Cocoa, Florida, is trying to launch an opera company built to generate its own revenue rather than depend on donations or grants.
Viral videos of Hiers singing librettos about cars and belting high notes after sales have raised his local profile, giving him a platform to bring opera to the community.
He said he is already emailing a young conductor finishing his degree as he assembles collaborators for the project.
The plan reflects Hiers' unusual balancing act: he films many videos at the dealership after service staff leave, while pursuing opera alongside a day job and a nomadic RV home life.