FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 28, 2025

OperaDelaware and Boxing Legend Dave Tiberi Announce OperaDEathmatch

Delaware’s arts and sports worlds collide in a knockout cultural event, November 21 & 23 at OperaDelaware Studios

Event Details:

WILMINGTON, DE — OperaDelaware is teaming up with Delaware boxing champion and community leader Dave Tiberi to present OperaDEathmatch, an electrifying mash-up of opera and boxing, on Friday, November 21 and Sunday, November 23, 2025 at OperaDelaware Studios.

This first-of-its-kind event will transform OperaDelaware Studios into a boxing ring where vocal gladiators face off in a high-energy, audience-driven competition. OperaDEathmatch promises all the drama of Puccini and Verdi with the adrenaline of a championship fight, highlighting the greatest confrontations and rivalries in opera while bringing together two of Delaware’s most passionate communities: the arts and sports.

“Opera and boxing may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they’re both about passion, determination, stamina, and storytelling,” said Dave Tiberi, former IBO middleweight champion and community advocate. “We’re inviting Delaware’s business, civic, and athletic leaders to join us for a night that celebrates competition, courage, and community.”

OperaDelaware’s Vice President of Engagement Kerriann Otaño added: “At OperaDelaware, we’re committed to reimagining how opera connects with new audiences. OperaDEathmatch is bold, fun, and accessible — it’s opera like you’ve never experienced before.”

The event will feature VIP “ringside seats”, themed food and beverage offerings, and the opportunity for audience members to cheer on their favorites. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a tailgating party, barbecue, and cash bar before the performance. ​Featuring special appearances from DELebrity Boxers Andrew "The Sweet Scientist" Cottone, Aaron "Dr. Hitman" Bass, and Henry "Hammerin' Hank" Milligan in head-to-head sparring matches!

The musical selections were curated by the OperaDelaware Company Artists, Toni Marie Palmertree, Emily Margevich, Dane Suarez, and Gerard Moon, representing a highly-curated assortment of opera’s most powerful rivalries and spectacular vocal fireworks. The Company Artist Model is a revolutionary innovation in the creative sector. Currently in its second year, the Company Artist Model employs four career artists who maintain high level performing careers while serving as supplemental staff in critical roles in the organization. The artists expand the company's reach by developing new partnerships and working in marketing, development, education, and community engagement. OperaDEathmatch was conceptualized and created by the OperaDelaware Company Artists, in collaboration with boxing champ Dave Tiberi. 

“This will be a 90-minute live event fusing opera, boxing, and comedy. Equal parts Puccini, pay-per-view, and parody,” says OperaDelaware Company Artist Dane Suarez.

Sponsorship opportunities are available with ringside seats​ and event branding. Tickets are extremely limited and can be purchased as operaDE.org/tickets.

Event Sponsorship

THE CHAMPION SPONSOR - $25,000

1. Prime sponsorship acknowledgement from the stage
2. Invitation for EIGHT to a private pre-show mixer with Dave Tiberi and the OperaDelaware Company Artists
3. Recognition in ongoing slideshow during performance
4. Recognition in pre-performance slideshow
5. EIGHT VIP TICKETS to OPERADEATHMATCH Nov. 21 (7:30PM) or 23 (2PM)

GOLD SPONSOR - $10,000

1. Invitation for FOUR to a private pre-show mixer with Dave Tiberi and the OperaDelaware Company Artists
2. Recognition in ongoing slideshow during performance
3. Recognition in pre-performance slideshow
4. Four tickets to OPERADEATHMATCH Nov. 21 (7:30PM) or 23 (2PM)

SILVER SPONSOR - $5,000

1. Invitation for FOUR to a private pre-show mixer with Dave Tiberi and the OperaDelaware Company Artists
2. Recognition in ongoing slideshow during performance
3. Recognition in pre-performance slideshow
4. FOUR tickets to OPERADEATHMATCH Nov. 21 (7:30PM) or 23 (2PM)

BRONZE SPONSOR - $2,500

1. Recognition in ongoing slideshow during performance
2. Recognition in pre-performance slideshow
3. Two tickets to OPERADEATHMATCH Nov. 21 (7:30PM) or 23 (2PM)

FRIEND - $1000 

1. Recognition in pre-performance slideshow
2. Two tickets to OPERADEATHMATCH Nov. 21 (7:30PM) or 23 (2PM)

For sponsorship inquiries, contact Kerriann Otaño, OperaDelaware Vice President of Engagement at kotano@operaDE.org or visiting www.operade.org/operadeathmatch 

About OperaDelaware

Founded in 1945, OperaDelaware is the nation’s 11th oldest professional opera company, serving as a cultural anchor for Delaware and the region. With a mission to engage, inspire, and connect through the transformative power of opera, OperaDelaware produces world-class performances while building innovative community partnerships. Learn more at operade.org.

 
 

About OperaDelaware: OperaDelaware, now in its 78th season, is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OperaDelaware opens the door to bold, vibrant and creative operatic programming that enriches the community, transforms audiences, and encourages dialogue.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7807.

Organizational images: Available for download here.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org.