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Cast of BLO’s production of Macbeth, 2025.
From the Directors
WELCOME TO RAEHANN IN RECITAL
Dear Friends of the Opera,
Welcome to Boston Lyric Opera’s newly renovated Opera + Community Studios. As winter gives way to spring, we’re delighted to welcome you into a season of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. We open this chapter with two performances created for this space: Song of the Earth (Das Lied von der Erde) and Raehann in Recital, featuring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Raehann BryceDavis in a rare, close-up performance.
In many ways, Song of the Earth feels like a fitting beginning. Gustav Mahler’s meditation on nature, renewal, and the cycles of life resonates with this moment of transformation at BLO. With this production, we continue our tradition of creating immersive, experiential performances that foster a direct connection between audiences and artists. Raehann in Recital builds on this legacy by inaugurating BLO’s new “In Recital” series, which showcases world-class artists in the intimate setting of the Opera + Community Studios.
As these performances wrap up, activity here continues without pause, with rehearsals beginning immediately for our next large-scale production, Daughter of the Regiment. Looking further ahead to our 50th Anniversary Season in 2026/27, our expanded, redesigned facility allows us to confidently kick off this milestone season with Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell — a towering masterpiece about freedom that is rarely performed in the U.S. due to the immense orchestral and choral forces it requires. Our fall 2026 production will mark the first fully staged presentation of William Tell in Boston.
Designed as a space for creative practice, rehearsals, workshops, performances, and artmaking, the redesigned and expanded Studios will serve not only BLO and the more than 800 artists and cultural workers we engage each year, but also the neighbors and partners with whom we share this space, enriching the creative life of our interconnected communities.
The Opera + Community Studios you have entered for today’s performance are a keystone of our future as New England’s leading opera company. As you look around this space — perhaps for the first time — we invite you to share in our excitement for a facility that is already serving as a scalable performance venue, a launching pad for our larger-scale projects that will continue at beloved Boston theaters like the Colonial and the Cutler Majestic, and a creative center for the region.
Thank you to all who have made — and continue to make — the Opera + Community Studios possible: our dedicated Board members, our patrons and supporters, and the many creatives, architects, designers, construction workers, and others who turned this vision into a reality. Finally, we thank you — our audience — for joining us today and in our next chapter here at the Opera.
With gratitude for what is to come,
Bradley Vernatter
Stanford Calderwood General Director & CEO
Nina Yoshida Nelsen Artistic Director
UPCOMING
BLO EVENTS
APR 7
OPERA NIGHT
Boston Public Library, Central Branch
APR 12
OPERA INNOVATORS: BRENDA RAE MASTERCLASS
BLO’s Opera + Community Studios
APR 24MAY 3
DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT
Emerson Colonial Theatre
JUN 13
SHE WAS THERE: SCREENING & CONVERSATION
The West End Museum
JUN 14
SHE WAS THERE: CONCERT & RECEPTION Museum of African American History
For event details, visit blo.org/events
with partners from
and
Page 2, from top: Mitridate (2024) and Noah's Flood (2025).
Page 3, from top: Street Stage at Plaza Betances
Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (2025); Create Your Own Opera participants at Saint Brendan School, Dorchester, MA (2025);
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel (2025).
COLLABORATION LEARNING BELONGING
FROM TOP: PHOTOS BY BLO STAFF |
PHOTO BY NILE HAWVER/NILE SCOTT STUDIOS
Dear Friends,
For the past 15 years, Boston Lyric Opera has developed installation productions that take opera to new and unexpected places — from The Handmaid’s Tale at Harvard University’s Lavietes Basketball Pavilion, mirroring the book’s fictional ‘Red Center’ re-education facility; to Pagliacci, which transformed the Steriti Memorial Ice Rink into a Big Top circus with food trucks, carnival acts, and acrobats; to our most recent installation of Bluebeard’s Castle | Four Songs at the Flynn Cruiseport on Boston Harbor.
Installation productions like these have become an important part of BLO’s work, particularly because these performances typically attract higher than usual numbers of first-time attendees, deepening our connection to the community and making opera more accessible to all. This practice has very much become part of BLO’s core identity.
We enter a new era with the addition of our Opera + Community Studios. Now, BLO has the capacity to present installation productions right here in our Studios, expanding current programming opportunities while still presenting productions in traditional theater spaces and other venues across Boston.
This week, we are pleased to welcome you all to the newly remodeled Opera + Community Studios with two performance experiences that explore the many possibilities presented by this space and test how we can continue to adapt it for future projects.
While Song of the Earth may not be an opera, at least according to the traditional definition, it is presented here with the narrative and staging that highlight its dramatic arc in new ways — showcasing potential future productions that serve to expand BLO’s season and provide more touchpoints with our community.
Raehann in Recital offers a rare opportunity to spotlight the depth, versatility, and brilliance of one of our exceptional opera cast members, Raehann Bryce-Davis. This recital marks the beginning of what we hope will be many similar programs in future seasons.
On behalf of BLO, thank you all for being here to experience what our new Opera + Community Studios has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you back many more times.
With appreciation,
Alicia M. Cooney
Wayne C. Davis Board Chair Board President
Board of Directors
Alicia Cooney Board Chair
Wayne Davis Board President
Miguel de Bragança Vice Chair
Andrew Eisenberg Vice President
Susan W. Jacobs
Treasurer
Dr. Irving H. Plotkin Clerk
Board of Advisors
Russell Lopez
Lawrence St. Clair
Lydia Kenton Walsh Co-Chairs
Michael Puzo
Immediate Past Board Chair
Bradley Vernatter
Ex Officio | Stanford
Calderwood General Director & CEO
Timothy Fulham
Christine Goerke
Jack Gorman
Frank Graves
Lisa Hillenbrand
Jennifer Ritvo Hughes
Amelia Welt Katzen
Sally Kornbluth
Maria J. Krokidas
John Loder
Abigail B. Mason
Jo Frances Meyer
Anne M. Morgan
Dr. Susan E. Bennett
Richard M. Burnes, Jr.
Ellie Cabot
Carole Charnow
Carol Deane
Larry DeVito
JoAnne Walton
Dickinson
Laura Dike
Robert Eastman
Willis Emmons
Brian Gokey
Sylvia Han
David Hoffman
Amy Hunter
Louise Johnson
Janika LeMaitre
Lynne Levitsky
Anita Loscalzo
Kathryn McDaniel
Jillian McGrath
Kate Meany
A. Neil Pappalardou
Maria Park
Winfield Perry
Susan Rodgerson
Vincent D. Rougeau
Alex Senchak
Peter Wender
George Yip
Leadership Council
David Scudder Chair
Steven P. Akin
Linda Cabot Black
Willa Bodman
Paul Montrone
Ray Stata
Emeriti
Steven P. Akin
J.P. Bargeru
Horace H. Irvine IIu
Sherif A. Nada
E. Lee Perryu
Elaine Murphy
Jane Pisciottoli Papa
Bill Poduska
Susanne Potts
Stephen Ricci
Carl Rosenberg
Allison Ryder
Simone Santiago
Barbara Senchak
Tricia Swift
Wynne Szeto
Frank Tempesta
Richard Trant
Amy Tsurumi
Archana
Venkataraman
Robert Walsh
Yin-Yin Wang
Tania Zouikin
As of January 30, 2026 uDeceased
RAEHANN IN RECITAL
David Angus, BLO Music Director
2025/26 Season Sponsor Linda Cabot Black
PERFORMANCES
TUE, MAR 24 | 7:30PM
Approximate running time: 1 hour 15 mins
OPERA + COMMUNITY STUDIOS
15 Channel Center Street Boston, MA 02210
W Boston Lyric Opera Debut
C Boston Lyric Opera Principal Debut
l Boston Lyric Opera Jane & Steven Akin
Emerging Artist
t Boston Lyric Opera Jane & Steven Akin
Emerging Artist Alum
ARTISTS
Mezzo-Soprano
RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS
Piano
JEANNE-MINETTE CILLIERS W
Cello
JING LI
Percussion
WILLIAM MANLEY
Jing Li and William Manley are members of the BLO Orchestra.
PRODUCTION STAFF & CREW
Michael Janney Stage Manager
Sumner Ellsworth Lighting Programmer
Jack Gruman Video Programmer/Operator
Joshua DeChristopher Head of Production Audio
MUSIC STAFF
William Manley Orchestra Contractor & Music Librarian
All musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. BLO is a member of OPERA America, the national service organization for opera in the US and Canada.
PROGRAM
Three Browning Songs
Music by Amy Beach | Texts by Robert Browning
Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs)
Music by Alban Berg | Texts by Carl Hauptmann, Nikolaus Lenau, Theodor Storm, Rainer Maria Rilke, Johannes Schlaf, Otto Erich Hartleben & Paul Hohenberg
“I Am Not An Angry Black Woman”
Music & text by Maria Thompson Corley
“The Beauty in my Blackness”
Music & text by Maria Thompson Corley
“Black Rider’s Freedom Song”
Music & text by Maria Thompson Corley
“Unspoken”
Music by Jake Landau | Text by Leslie Andrea Williams
“Home” from & Aeterna
Music by Jake Landau | Libretto by Emily Garber
“He Never Dropped My Eyes” from & Aeterna
Music by Jake Landau | Libretto by Emily Garber
“Stand the Storm”
Traditional spiritual, arranged by Timothy Amukele
“Dis is my Word”
Music & text by Andrew Marshall
“The Year’s at the Spring” from Three Browning Songs
The year’s at the spring, And day’s at the morn; Morning’s at seven; The hill-side’s dew-pearl’d; The lark’s on the wing; The snail’s on the thorn; God’s in His heaven–All’s right with the world!
“Ah, Love, but a day” from Three Browning Songs
Ah, Love, but a day, And the world has changed! The sun’s away, And the bird estranged; The wind has dropped, And the sky’s deranged; Summer has stopped.
Look in my eyes!
Wilt thou change too? Should I fear surprise?
Shall I find aught new In the old and dear, In the good and true, With the changing year?
Thou art a man, But I am thy love. For the lake, its swan; For the dell, its dove; And for thee — (oh, haste!)
Me, to bend above, Me, to hold embraced.
“I send my heart up to thee!” from Three Browning Songs I send my heart up to thee, all my heart In this my singing,
For the stars help me, and the sea, and the sea bears part;
The very night is clinging Closer to Venice’ streets to leave on space
Above me, whence thy face
May light my joyous heart to thee, to thee its dwelling place.
“Nacht” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Dämmern Wolken über Nacht und Tal. Nebel schweben. Wasser rauschen sacht. Nun entschleiert sich’s mit einem Mal.
O gib acht! gib acht!
Weites Wunderland ist aufgetan, Silbern ragen Berge traumhaft groß, Stille Pfade silberlicht talan Aus verborg’nem Schoß.
Und die hehre Welt so traumhaft rein. Stummer Buchenbaum am Wege steht
Schattenschwarz — ein Hauch vom fernen Hain Einsam leise weht.
Und aus tiefen Grundes Düsterheit Blinken Lichter auf in stummer Nacht.
Trinke Seele! trinke Einsamkeit!
O gib acht! gib acht!
Clouds loom over night and valley. Mists hover, waters softly murmur. Now at once all is unveiled.
O take heed! take heed!
A vast wonderland opens up, Silvery mountains soar dreamlike tall, Silent paths climb silver-bright valleywards From a hidden womb.
And the glorious world so dreamlike pure. A silent beech-tree stands by the wayside Shadow-black — a breath from the distant grove Blows solitary soft.
And from the deep valley’s gloom Lights twinkle in the silent night. Drink soul! drink solitude!
O take heed! take heed!
“Schilflied” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Auf geheimem Waldespfade
Schleich’ ich gern im Abendschein
An das öde Schilfgestade, Mädchen, und gedenke dein!
Wenn sich dann der Busch verdüstert, Rauscht das Rohr geheimnisvoll, Und es klaget und es flüstert, Daß ich weinen, weinen soll.
Und ich mein’, ich höre wehen Leise deiner Stimme Klang, Und im Weiher untergehen Deinen lieblichen Gesang.
Along a secret forest path
I love to steal in the evening light
To the desolate reedy shore
And think, my girl, of you!
When the bushes then grow dark, The reeds pipe mysteriously, Lamenting and whispering, That I must weep, must weep.
And I seem to hear the soft sound
Of your voice,
And your lovely singing
Drowning in the pond.
“Die Nachtigall” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Das macht, es hat die Nachtigall
Die ganze Nacht gesungen;
Da sind von ihrem süssen Schall, Da sind in Hall und Widerhall Die Rosen aufgesprungen.
Sie war doch sonst ein wildes Blut, Nun geht sie tief in Sinnen; Trägt in der Hand den Sommerhut Und duldet still der Sonne Glut Und weiß nicht, was beginnen.
Das macht, es hat die Nachtigall Die ganze Nacht gesungen; Da sind von ihrem süssen Schall, Da sind in Hall und Widerhall Die Rosen aufgesprungen.
It is because the nightingale Has sung throughout the night, That from the sweet sound
Of her echoing song
The roses have sprung up.
She was once a wild creature, Now she wanders deep in thought; In her hand a summer hat, Bearing in silence the sun’s heat, Not knowing what to do.
It is because the nightingale Has sung throughout the night, That from the sweet sound
Of her echoing song
The roses have sprung up.
“Traumgekrönt” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Das war der Tag der weißen Chrysanthemen, — mir bangte fast vor seiner Pracht … Und dann, dann kamst du mir die Seele nehmen tief in der Nacht.
Mir war so bang, und du kamst lieb und leise, — ich hatte grad im Traum an dich gedacht. Du kamst, und leis wie eine Märchenweise erklang die Nacht …
That was the day of the white chrysanthemums — Its brilliance almost frightened me ... And then, then you came to take my soul at the dead of night.
I was so frightened, and you came sweetly and gently, I had been thinking of you in my dreams. You came, and soft as a fairy tune the night rang out …
“Im Zimmer” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Herbstsonnenschein.
Der liebe Abend blickt so still herein.
Ein Feuerlein rot Knistert im Ofenloch und loht.
So! — Mein Kopf auf deinen Knie’n. — So ist mir gut;
Wenn mein Auge so in deinem ruht. Wie leise die Minuten ziehn! …
Autumn sunshine.
The lovely evening looks in so silently. A little red fire Crackles and blazes in the hearth.
Like this! — With my head on your knees. — Like this I am content;
When my eyes rest in yours like this. How gently the minutes pass!
“Liebesode” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Im Arm der Liebe schliefen wir selig ein. Am offnen Fenster lauschte der Sommerwind, und unsrer Atemzüge Frieden trug er hinaus in die helle Mondnacht. —
Und aus dem Garten tastete zagend sich
Ein Rosenduft an unserer Liebe Bett
Und gab uns wundervolle Träume, Träume des Rausches — so reich an Sehnsucht!
In love’s arms we fell blissfully asleep. The summer wind listened at the open window, and carried the peace of our breathing out into the moon-bright night. —
And from the garden a scent of roses came timidly to our bed of love and gave us wonderful dreams, ecstatic dreams — so rich in longing!
“Sommertage” from Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs) | Text/Translation
Nun ziehen Tage über die Welt, gesandt aus blauer Ewigkeit, im Sommerwind verweht die Zeit. Nun windet nächtens der Herr Sternenkränze mit seliger Hand über Wander und Wunderland.
O Herz, was kann in diesen Tagen dein hellstes Wanderlied denn sagen von deiner tiefen, tiefen Lust: Im Wiesensang verstummt die Brust, nun schweigt das Wort, wo Bild um Bild zu dir zieht und dich ganz erfüllt.
Days, sent from blue eternity, journey now across the world, time drifts away in the summer wind. The Lord at night now garlands star-chains with his blessed hand across lands of wandering and wonder.
In these days, O heart, what can your brightest travel-song say of your deep, deep joy?
The heart falls silent in the meadows’ song, words now cease when image after image comes to you and fills you utterly.
“I
Am Not An Angry Black Woman”
I am not an angry Black woman. I am a live butterfly impaled by a pin. I am a strapped-in passenger careening into an approaching train. I am a writhing worm on a sidewalk after rain. I am not an angry Black woman. I am an Olympic swimmer tethered to a slave ship. I am not an angry Black woman. But what if I were?
“The Beauty in my Blackness”
The beauty in my blackness isn’t open to debate. My life force irrigates: Irrepressible, Irresistible, undaunted, undimmed, unmistakable, unashamed.
“Black Rider’s Freedom Song”
When I ride like the wind, I am free With the breeze on my face, I am free When I ride like the wind with the breeze on my face on the back of my horse, I am free.
I am an outlaw. I am a sharpshooter.
I am a rancher, an actor, a cook. I am a singer, I am a writer. Born in enslavement, I ride like the wind.
When I ride like the wind, I am free. With the breeze on my face, I am free. When I ride like the wind with the breeze on my face on the back of my horse, I am free.
My freedom and I breeze through the plains like the dust in the wind like a bird in the air. With the sun on my head and my boots on my feet, I ride with the wind and the wind blows warm and free. Free like me.
I’m not your boy. I’m not your girl.
No man my master, no shackles, no chains. I’m free from the bondage of racial division with sisters and brothers who ride with the wind.
Vaquero, Indigenous, White or Chinese; we are free.
When we ride like the wind, we are free. With the breeze on our face, we are free. When we ride like the wind with the breeze on our face on the back of our horse, we are free.
The range is our home, the sky, our cathedral; the wide, open prairie, the love of our lives.
The Earth is our Mother; her breath is the wind. She whispers at night from the diamond-flecked velvet above, “You are free.”
Freedom is hard. Freedom is beautiful. Freedom is dangerous. Freedom is everything.
When I ride like the wind, I am free.
My Blackness is no barrier. I am free.
Try to erase me; you’ll never succeed. The wind knows the truth. I am free.
“Unspoken”
“They have your face…” They have your soul, your shape. Holding me up, Reborn in embrace. The unspoken sing.
“Erola…”
Their song permeates, Saturates, “Engraved in the palms of my hands,” Etched in my DNA. The unspoken song.
“Erola…”
I watch you — You don’t have to say anything. Just sing to me your unspoken love. Sing it to me. Unspoken.
Sing it to me.
The unspoken is sung.
“Erola…”
My name “Erola…”
“Home” from & Aeterna
My parents are both strangers to me. Two people I have only known through other people’s stories. I don’t know who they were. Or my own legacy. All I know is that I need to be as steady as the stones in the walls that protect my home.
I always feel like a stranger in this city: Someone I have almost known but keep passing in the street. But if I knew who they were Then I could know who to be. Then I could follow my own legacy, And be as steady as the stones. Be the wall that protects my home.
Because I love my city. I love the storm and the sea. I love the grass just beginning to grow again, The dust and the cypress trees. I need to know who he is So I can know who to be, So I can know my own legacy, And be as steady as the stones. Be the wall that protects my home. So I can defend my city. So I can know. So I can lead.
“He Never Dropped My Eyes” from & Aeterna
Single combat, spear to sword. To decide the end of a too-long war. His armor shined in the sun too bright Like the gods had marked him with their might. And he never dropped my eyes. We circled, trading brutal blows, until I landed one so close and struck Aeneas in the thigh. He fell, he bled, but did not die. And he never dropped my eyes. I should have killed him but I froze.
Until Aeneas rose and stabbed me through the heart. And he never dropped my eyes.
“Stand
the Storm”
Stand the storm, it won’t be long, you will anchor by and by.
Stand the storm, it won’t be long, you will anchor by and by. Stand the storm, it won’t be long, there’ll be anchor by and by. Stand the storm, it won’t be long, you’ll find anchor by and by.
Your ship is on the ocean, you will anchor by and by; Your ship is on the ocean, you will anchor by and by.
You’re heading for the kingdom where you’ll anchor by and by; You’re heading for the kingdom where you’ll anchor by and by.
Your mother’s in the kingdom, you will anchor by and by; mother’s in the kingdom, you will anchor by and by.
Stand the storm, it won’t be long, you’ll anchor by and by.
Stand, there’ll be anchor by and by.
Stand the storm, it won’t be long, Stand the storm, it won’t be long, Stand the storm, it won’t be long, you will anchor by and by.
Hold on, it won’t be long; Hold on, it won’t be long; Hold on, it won’t be long; you will anchor by and by.
“Dis is my Word”
Listen e’vrybaddy come gyadda roun mi
Mek mi tell yuh wat di Laad seh!
A nuh my mout sa’it, but a Jesas word inna Matthew, somewhe in deh!
Im seh “Yuh tink unnu good an y’ah guh deh wid di chosen few fi meet Im up so!
Well mi have news fi yuh, so gyadda likkle closa an hear di word from mi mout!”
“If a man tump yuh ova, pray fi im. If im tief all yuh garment, pray fi im. If im mout out a arda, pray fi im.
Mek sure fi show im love, ‘cause dis is my word.
Dat was a day pond at deh mountainside. Ev’rybaddy did jus a stare, an dem mout drop open wide.
Wat a teaching!
Wat a word!
Inna heav’n an pon di eart!
Dere neva was a sermon like dis in all di worl!
Do good to dem dat use yuh!
Abuse an persecute yuh!
Wen dem hungry, give dem food dat di Word of God be perfect in you.
So wen dem a chat yuh, pray fi dem!
An yuh name gone abroad, oh! pray fi dem!
Is a hard saying mi know, but mek sure to do di tings dat I say, ‘cause dis is my word.
Dis is God’s Word!
RAEHANN BRYCE-DAVIS |
Mezzo-Soprano
In the 2025/26 season, mezzosoprano Raehann Bryce-Davis returns to Washington National Opera as Amneris in Aida, in a new production by Francesca Zambello, conducted by Kwamé Ryan. She makes her role debut as Carmen at Opera Ballet Vlaanderen and her house debut at Boston Lyric Opera in Song of the Earth (Das Lied von der Erde). She also appears in concert for a night of opera arias at St. Matthew’s Music Guild and for Verdi’s Requiem with the Oakland Symphony. In the 2024/25 season, Ms. Bryce-Davis made her Houston Grand Opera debut as Azucena in Il trovatore and her house and role debut at the Grand Théâtre de Genève as Marfa in Khovanshchina, in a new Calixto Bieito production under Alejo Pérez. She returned to Dutch National Opera as Marina in Boris Godunov. Career highlights include debuts at The Metropolitan Opera as Baba the Turk in The Rake’s Progress and at Santa Fe Opera as Ježibaba in Rusalka. She has made return appearances with The Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Dutch National Opera, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, and La Monnaie de Munt. Ms. Bryce-Davis holds a Master of Music and Professional Studies Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Arlington.
JEANNE-MINETTE CILLIERS |
Piano
South African-born pianist and conductor Jeanne-Minette Cilliers is a boundary-blurring artist known for color-rich performances and a fearless approach to the stage. Currently based in Canton, NY, she serves as the Music Director of the Crane Opera Ensemble at SUNY Potsdam, a role that bridges her elite international experience with a burgeoning conducting career. Her leadership from the podium and the keyboard follows a distinguished tenure on the music staff of the world’s most prestigious houses, including Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Bayerische Staatsoper, LA Opera, and Gran Teatre del Liceu. A specialist in contemporary scores, she famously performed a ten-minute on-stage piano solo on a “flying piano” in the world premiere of Hèctor Parra’s Les Bienveillantes. As a collaborator, she has graced such stages as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln
Center, Ravinia Festival, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Beyond the stage, she is co-founder of Kudu Productions with her husband, tenor Andrew Richards. Together, they create genre-bending media projects, with major upcoming initiatives currently unfolding in South Africa. A former faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music and the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, Cilliers holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Indiana University, and an Artist Diploma from the Manhattan School of Music.
JING LI | Cello
Cellist Jing Li has performed internationally as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. She has made solo appearances with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony of Louisiana, Indiana University Orchestra, Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, and Cuenca Symphony Orchestra in Ecuador. She has collaborated with such artists as Miriam Fried, Donald Weilerstein, Lawrence Wolfe, and the Borromeo String Quartet, and has participated in festivals including the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Sarasota Music Festival, Banff Centre for the Arts, and the Piatigorsky Seminar for Cellists. Based in the Boston area, she performs with A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra, Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, and Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP). A dedicated teacher and chamber musician, she was a former member of the Portland Piano Trio and worked with students through 240 Strings, an organization focused on musical education for students from diverse backgrounds. She is currently a faculty member of New England Conservatory’s Expanded Education program.
WILLIAM MANLEY | Percussion
Percussionist William Manley has performed in the Greater Boston area for over 30 years. He has worked with Boston Lyric Opera for much of that time, as well as The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet, and area groups such as The Portland Symphony Orchestra and The Rhode Island Philharmonic. Attending operas as early as 8 years old, and initially hating them, he has gone on to having a great love
for the art form, playing for Sarasota Opera and Glimmerglass Opera for many seasons, as well as being the music librarian for both Boston Lyric Opera and The Glimmerglass Festival.
BRADLEY VERNATTER |
Stanford Calderwood General Director & CEO
Bradley Vernatter is the Stanford Calderwood General Director & Chief Executive Officer of Boston Lyric Opera, the company’s top leadership role. Now in his 13th year with BLO and leading the company since 2021, he has guided BLO’s recovery from the pandemic, driven the funding campaign for and the move into its Opera + Community Studios, and shaped the organization’s strategic plan, which will lead BLO into its 50th anniversary season in 2026/27. Throughout his career, Vernatter has produced a range of operas, multi-disciplinary performances, and media productions. In 2020, he was recognized by Boston Business Journal as one of Boston’s “40 Under 40” rising young leaders. He was a member of the YW Boston LeadBoston 2022 cohort and served on the board of advisors at Artists For Humanity, a nonprofit that empowers teens through employment in the arts. Additionally, he contributes to social entrepreneurship projects addressing access to basic services. Previously, Vernatter served as BLO’s Acting General and Artistic Director, after having served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Before BLO, he was Director of Operations for Opera Omaha and Associate Producer for the company’s ONE Festival. He held artistic and management positions with Wexford Festival Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, the Castleton (VA) Festival, and the Miller Theatre at Columbia University. Vernatter holds a Master of Business Administration from the IE-Brown MBA program (Madrid/Providence, R.I.), a Bachelor of Arts from Otterbein College,
and a certificate in professional fundraising from Boston University. He is an alumnus of the OPERA America Leadership Intensive, through which he has participated in the Civic Action Group and as a grant reviewer.
NINA YOSHIDA NELSEN |
Artistic Director
Nina Yoshida Nelsen (she/her) made her Boston Lyric Opera debut in 2021 as Mamma Lucia, Cavalleria Rusticana. She was featured as a singer and storyteller in the filmed documentary-concert B., which marked an artistic culmination of BLO’s “The Butterfly Process.” She joined the company as an Artistic Advisor in 2021, participating in artistic discussions and decisions, company auditions, and more. Most recently, she served as dramaturg for BLO’s widely acclaimed 2023 production of Madama Butterfly Nelsen has performed traditional and contemporary operatic roles throughout North America and Europe, including performances with Washington National Opera, Lincoln Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and Avery Fisher Hall. She continues to perform actively with companies across the United States and Canada. Recent and upcoming work includes classic and contemporary repertoire with regional and nationally recognized opera houses. As Co-Founder of the Asian Opera Alliance, Nelsen has worked to uplift Asian artists and to advocate for greater representation within the industry. She was recently featured in TIME Magazine and was the subject of an NHK World documentary centered on Jack Perla and Jessica Murphy Moo’s opera An American Dream and Nelsen’s origination of the role of Hiroko Kobayashi at Seattle Opera. A Boston University alumna, Nelsen received undergraduate degrees in violin and psychology, and a master’s degree in voice. She also holds an Artist Diploma from Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts.
Presented in partnership by Boston Lyric Opera & Boston Conservatory at Berklee, the Opera Innovators Series brings together visionary artists & creative leaders in opera for a dynamic educational & professional development program. This series offers BLO’s Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists and BCB voice students unparalleled access to groundbreaking perspectives, fostering the next generation of opera’s innovators.
FINAL MASTERCLASS OF THE SEASON OPERA INNOVATORS SERIES
Brenda Rae Masterclass | SUN, APR 12 t LEARN MORE
Thank you to David & Janet McCue for their generous support of Boston Lyric Opera in presenting the Opera Innovators Series this season.
BLO
is Celebrating 15 Years of the Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists Initiative!
The pursuit of a successful career in opera is a challenging and expensive undertaking. BLO proudly provides opportunities and funding for Emerging Artists to hone their talents with regular coaching and mentorship, to expand their repertoire by preparing new roles, and to be heard by diverse audiences in BLO productions and community events. More than 50 artists have benefited from this initiative since its inception.
2025/26 JANE & STEVEN AKIN EMERGING ARTISTS
First row, from left: Alexandra Dietrich director | Mary Kray mezzo-soprano
Josie Larsen soprano | Morgan Mastrangelo tenor
Second row, from left: Devon Russo bass-baritone | Laura Santamaria soprano
Zizhao Wang bass-baritone | Angela Yam soprano
Getting Into Opera
GBH Music partnered with Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) and New England Conservatory (NEC) to explore the artistry behind opera in a dynamic video series featuring legendary singers Patricia Racette, Susan Graham, and Davóne Tines. Designed for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, Getting into Opera reveals how powerful performances are shaped through vocal coaching, stage direction, and artistic mentorship.
Filmed in front of a live audience in GBH’s acoustically acclaimed Fraser Performance Studio, each episode showcases rising talents from BLO’s Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists Initiative and NEC’s opera program. Episodes are available on GBH Music’s YouTube channel.
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Boston Lyric Opera extends its gratitude to the following vendors, partners, individuals, community organizations, and school partners for their extraordinary courtesy in making our 2025/26 Season possible:
4Wall Entertainment | Rui Alves, Mike Texeira
Acentech, Inc. | Carl Rosenberg, Jonah Sacks, Khaleela Zaman
Allison Voth
American Repertory Theater
Artists for Humanity
ArtsBoston
Arts Connect International
ArtsEmerson
Ball Square Films | Kathy Wittman
Beth Harris | Fortepiano Tuner
Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music
Boston Harbor Now
Boston Properties
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts Office
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Boston University | College of Fine Arts
C3 Commercial Construction Consulting, Inc. | Doug Anderson
Capron Lighting & Sound Co. | Jeff Antonellis, Ryan Frost
Cartage America | Tim Riley
The Catered Affair
Charlestown Navy Yard
City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture
Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP | Andrew Eisenberg
Costume Works, Inc. | Liz Perlman
Cultural Equity Incubator
Devon Lumber
Dynamix, Inc.
East Cambridge Piano |
James Nicoloro
Emerson College
Emmanuel Music
First Parish Brookline
Flansburgh Architects
Fly Over the City
The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park
Furnished Quarters
GBH
Gilbane Building Company
Groundwater Arts
HallKeen Management | Jennifer Zarrella, Randy Pelletier
Hibernian Hall | Harris Lefteri
High Output
HILB Group
HUB International
HYM Investment Group
IATSE Local #11 JACET | Colleen Glynn
InnoPsych, Inc. | Dr.
Charmain Jackman
Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción
Janet Buecker
JCA Arts Marketing
Jim Jenson
JKJ Retirement Services | Ben Hall, Jack McDonald
Les Éditions Buissonnières
Music Publishing
Louis A. Gentile Piano Service
MASARY Studios
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance
Megan Gilron | Staging Research
Midway Artist Studios | Raber Umphenour
Mike Marchetti
Mike Mejia
Andrew Motta
Museum of Science
Myles Standish Business Condominiums
National Parks of Boston
NEPS Primary Freight
New England Conservatory of Music
Nile Scott Studios
Production Advantage
ProPrint
Tony Rickard
Robert Silman Associates
Structural Engineers | Ben Rosenberg, Steven Au Yeung
The Rose Kennedy Greenway
Rosebrand, Inc.
Ryder Transportation
Sew What, Inc. | Andrea Fraser
Seyfarth Shaw, LLP |
Brian Michaelis
Sika Consulting | Kemarah Sika
Smartpress
SoWa Boston
Starburst Printing & Graphics, Inc.
Stone Living Lab
Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. | Michael Radin
TDF | Theatre Development Fund
Ten31 Productions
Tessitura
Think Outside The Vox
Truro Historical Society
The Trustees of Reservations
TYGER Design + Production
United Parish Brookline
United Staging & Rigging | Eric Frishman
Vantage Technology Consulting Group | Geoffrey Tritsch
Wetherbee Creative |
Wendy Wetherbee
WBUR
YW Boston | Anouska Bhattacharyya
BOSTON LYRIC OPERA
LEADERSHIP
Bradley Vernatter Stanford Calderwood
General Director & Chief Executive Officer
Nina Yoshida Nelsen Artistic Director
David Angus Music Director
Anne Bogart Artistic Associate
Vimbayi Kaziboni Artistic Advisor
ARTISTIC & COMMUNITY
Ben Richter Senior Director of Producing Operations
Lisa Hanson Director of Producing Operations
Roxanna Myhrum Director of Programs & Events
Nancy McDonald Director of Business Operations
Morgan Beckford Director of Learning
Scot Burckhardt Director of Production
Brett Hodgdon Head of Music & Chorus Director
Ian Rouillard Assistant Director of Production
Kimberly Sabio Manager of Artistic Operations
V Brancazio Programs & Events Manager
Natalie Main Artistic Coordinator
Michael Janney Production Associate
Laura Nevitt Resident Teaching Artist
Kylie Fletcher Resident Teaching Artist
Sepehr Davallou Resident Teaching Artist
Ji Yung Lee Coach/Pianist
Brendon Shapiro Coach/Pianist
Douglas Sumi Coach/Pianist
ADMINISTRATION
Lizabeth Malanga Senior Director of Administration
Caterina Pina Director of People Operations
Eboni Bell Executive Administrator
Kathryn McKeon Interim Executive Administrator
Erika Dooley Senior Office Administrator
FINANCE
Jarrell Perkins Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Rawding Finance Manager
PHILANTHROPY
Ishan Johnson Chief Philanthropy Advisor
Laura Jekel Director of Annual Giving & Philanthropy
Shelly Cornell Senior Philanthropy Advisor
Randy Biagas-Hill Philanthropy Coordinator
Katherine Leary Prospect Researcher
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Julia Propp Senior Director of External Affairs
Alfredo Muñoz Director of Marketing & Sales
Ryan Cannister Marketing & Communications Manager
Hannah Cassell CRM & Database Administrator
Amy Advocat Manager of Institutional Communications & Philanthropy
Charley Gibson Audience Services Manager
Lauren Florek Senior Patron Services Coordinator
Natalia St Jean Editorial Coordinator
Wren Rodziewicz Database Coordinator
Natalie Barnaby Patron Services Associate
Nicole DeGrandpre Marketing Associate
JMK PR Public Relations
Leapfrog Arts Graphic Design
Mouth Media Website
JCA Consulting CRM Applications
Russell Philanthropies Consultant
Phillip C. Song, MD Consulting Laryngologist
Division Chief of Laryngology at Massachusetts
Eye and Ear
Dr. Charmain Jackman
Mental Health & Wellbeing Consultant | InnoPsych
Art & Soul Consulting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
EMERITUS ARTISTS
John Conklin Artistic Advisor & Designer Emeritus u u Deceased
As of January 12, 2026
We’re almost there — help BLO close the final $1M!
We’re proud to share that over $10 million has already been raised toward Boston Lyric Opera’s $11 million goal to establish our Opera + Community Studios — BLO’s new civic arts space in Fort Point where artists and communities will create, connect, and collaborate. Opera + Community Studios is more than a building — it’s a civic investment in Boston’s cultural future.
Help BLO raise the final $1 million to bring this shared arts space to life by 2026.
Scan the QR code to make a donation
Michelle Johnson in rehearsal for BLO’s Aida with the BLO Orchestra at the Opera + Community Studios in 2024.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to the development of the Opera + Community Studios through your presence and your gifts. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
$1,000,000+
Anonymous (1)
Alicia M. Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Wayne Davis & Ann Merrifield
Barbara & Amos Hostetter
The Paul & Sandra Montrone Family
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Stata
$500,000 - $999,999
Miss Wallace Minot Leonard Foundation
$100,000 - $499,999
Willa & Taylor Bodman
Miguel & Suki de Bragança
Mr. Lawrence M. DeVito
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Movement Arts Creation Studio
Lise Olney & Tim Fulham
David W. Scudder & Betsy Ridge
Dr. Robert Walsh & Lydia Kenton Walsh
$50,000 - $99,999
Anonymous (1)
Rick Burnes
Cabot Family Charitable Trust
Andrew L. Eisenberg & John Vetrano
Mimi Hewlett
John M. Loder
Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture
Anne M. Morgan
Winfield & Linda Perry
Stephen & Geraldine Ricci
$25,000 - $49,999
Family of John M Conklin
Sylvia Han & Bruce Rubenstein
Maria Krokidas & Bruce Bullen
Abigail B. Mason
Christine & Michael Puzo
Allison Ryder & David Jones
Rumena & Alexander Senchak
Andrew Sherman & Russ López
Bradley Vernatter
Peter J. Wender
$10,000 - $24,999
Robert Eastman
Flansburgh Architects
Jack D. Gorman
Susan W. Jacobs
Kate Meany
Mr. Carl Rosenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent & Robin Rougeau
George & Moira Yip
Ms. Tania Zouikin
$1 - $9,999
Anonymous (1)
Ms. Ellen Cabot
Anne Lyons Dolan in memory of Susan Eastman
Alan & Lisa Dynner
Lisa Hillenbrand
Jennifer Ritvo Hughes & Marcus Hughes
Ms. Louise Johnson
Amelia & Joshua Katzen
Courtney Keller
Drs. Lynne & Sidney Levitsky
Gregory E. Moore & Wynne W. Szeto
Mr. Anthony Pangaro &
Ms. Creelea Henderson
Jane Pisciottoli Papa
Janet & Irv Plotkin
Nicholas G. Russell
Ms. Tricia Swift
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tempesta
Yin-Yin Wang
Donations as of January 15, 2026
We are honored to recognize our donors who generously support Boston Lyric Opera through gifts to our annual fund and The Opera Gala. We are deeply grateful for the following contributions made to BLO between July 1, 2024 and January 15, 2026. Our fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30, and we list donors at the level of their total giving made during a fiscal year — either this fiscal year or last — whichever is highest.
MEMBERS ($100 - $2,999) | We are grateful for the commitment of our members, the largest community of supporters at Boston Lyric Opera. Members enjoy opportunities to explore opera and engage with others who share their passion through invitations to special events and other exciting benefits.
ORFEO SOCIETY ($3,000 +) | The Orfeo Society supports Boston Lyric Opera in all our endeavors, from stage to film to community programs. These aficionados come together regularly to hear artists perform and to learn about our groundbreaking productions from the creative teams, all while providing invaluable direct support to BLO.
GOLDOVSKY SOCIETY | Membership is given in recognition of those who have made a provision in a will, living trust, deferred gift plan, or retirement plan that will benefit Boston Lyric Opera.
ENDOWMENT | We recognize donors to our endowment, who believe in BLO’s fiscal sustainability.
For more information or to make a gift, please contact Ishan Johnson, Chief Philanthropy Advisor, at ijohnson@blo.org or 617.702.8961.
Please note that if your donation was received or adjusted after the dates above, it may not be reflected until the next playbill due to publication deadlines. If you note that your donation is not reflected correctly in this playbill, please contact Ishan Johnson, Chief Philanthropy Advisor, at ijohnson@blo.org or 617.702.8961.
CRESCENDO ($100,000+)
Jane & Steven Akin
Barr Foundation
Linda Cabot Black
Willa* & Taylor Bodmanl
Katie & Paul Buttenwieser
Gerard & Sherryl Cohen
Alicia M. Cooney* & Stephen Quigleyl
Wayne Davis* & Ann Merrifieldl
Andrew L. Eisenberg* & John Vetranol Gardner Hendrie
Marilee Wheeler Trust Charitable Fund
Mattina R. Proctor Foundation
Christine & Michael Puzo* l
David W. Scudder & Betsy Ridgel
VIVACE ($50,000 - $99,999)
Anonymous (1)
Rick Burnes*
Miguel* & Suki de Bragançal
John H. Deknatel & Carol M. Taylor
Barbara & Amos Hostetter
ALLEGRO ($10,000 - $24,999)
Anonymous (3)
The Acorn Foundation
BPS Arts Expansion Fund at EdVestors
Ms. Ellen Cabot* l
Ms. RoAnn Costin
Alberto Cribiore & Kristin Sebastian
Priscilla Deck & Sean Kelly
Susan W. Jacobs* l Abigail B. Mason*
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Miss Wallace Minot Leonard Foundation
The Paul & Sandra Montrone Family
Mrs. E. Lee Perry
Winfield* & Linda Perryl
The Poduska Family Foundation
Helen Pounds
Stephen* & Geraldine Riccil
Wendy Shattuck & Sam Plimpton
PRESTO ($25,000 - $49,999)
Anonymous (1)
Mr. John W. Brewer
Mr. Mark H. Dalzell
Alan & Lisa Dynner
Jack D. Gorman* l
The Joseph & Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation
Maria Krokidas* & Bruce Bullenl
Susan Denison
Robert Eastman* l Estate of Emily C. Hoodu
Frank Graves & Christine Dugan
Kathy & Ron Groves
The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation
HarborOne Bank
Janika* & George LeMaitre
John M. Loder* l Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture
David & Janet McCue
Anne M. Morgan* l
Kristine A. Moyer Higgins & Robert F. Higgins
Elaine Murphy in memory of Buck Haberkornl
Lise Olney & Tim Fulham* l OPERA America
Mr.u & Mrs. A. Neil Pappalardo*
Ms. Maria Park
Janet & Irv Plotkin* l
Polaris Capital Management
William & Lia Poorvu
Erinn Rhodes & Jason Rhodes
Allison Ryder* & David Jones
Mr.* & Mrs. Ray Statal
Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation
Mimi Hewlett
Mr. Keith Higgins
Lisa Hillenbrand* l
Mr.u & Mrs. Edward C. Johnson
Amelia* & Joshua Katzen
Milling Kinard
Lincoln & Therese Filene Foundation
Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Anita Loscalzo* l
*Board Member lLyric Circle Member (those with multi-year commitments to our annual fund) uDeceased
Nagesh Mahanthappa & Valentine Talland
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
MEDITECH
Jo Frances Meyer* & Carl Herbert
National Endowment for the Arts
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Olney III
Paul & Edith Babson Foundation
Melinda & James Rabbl
Peter & Suzanne Read
Mr.* & Mrs. Vincent & Robin Rougeaul
Barbara* & Andrew Senchak
Rumena & Alexander Senchak* l
Andrew Sherman & Russ López* l
Larry* & Beverly St. Clairl
Andrew Szentgyorgyi, Nicholas Szentgyorgyi & Nancy Brickhouse
Bradley Vernatter
Dr. Robert Walsh* & Lydia Kenton Walsh* l
Peter J. Wender* l Jerry Wheelock & Elizabeth Wood
Michael Wyzga & Judy Ozbun
George* & Moira Yip
Ms. Tania Zouikin*
ADAGIO ($5,000 - $9,999)
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous in memory of James W. Boynton
Mark & Pam Alcaide
Nancy Altschuler
Mr. Peter Ambler & Ms. Lindsay Miller
Bill & Vicki Barke
Drs. Susan E. Bennett* & Gerald B. Pierl
Roger Berman
Kathy Boyce
The Chay Family
Ms. Mei Po Cheung
Mr. Lawrence M. DeVito* l
Ms. JoAnne Dickinson* l
Laura Dike & Vaughn Miller*
Dr. Jordan S. Ruboy Charitable Fundu
Martin Elvis & Giuseppina Fabbiano
Kathryn G. Freed in memory of Dean & Patti Freed
Fremont Giving Fund
Gilbane Building Company
Melissa Gilliam & William Grobman
Dr. Kurt D. Gress &
Mr. Samuel Y. Parkinson
Nick & Marjorie Greville
Mr. Joseph Hammer
Sylvia Han* & Bruce Rubensteinl
David Hoffman* & Deborah Friedman
Morton Hoffman in loving memory of
Sandy Hoffmanu
Amy Hunter* & Steven Maguirel
Ms. Louise Johnson*
Ellen & Robert Kaplan
Butler & Lois Lampson
Drs. Lynne* & Sidney Levitsky
Liana Enterprises
Ms. M. Lynne Markus*
Kathryn McDaniel* l
Kate Meany* l
Gregory E. Moore &
Wynne W. Szeto* l
Mario & Nancy Nicosia
Jane Pisciottoli Papa* l
Anthony & Katharine Pell
Dr. Douglas Reeves
Mr. Carl Rosenberg*
Russell Philanthropies
Stephen & Peg Senturial
R. S. Steinberg
Ms. Tricia Swift* l
Mr.* & Mrs. Frank Tempestal
Dr. Nelson Thaemert & Mr. Brian Gokeyl
Mr. Richard Trant*
Ms. Amy Tsurumi* l
Yin-Yin Wang* l
GRAZIOSO ($3,000 - $4,999)
John Barstow & Genie Ware
Michael Barza & Judith Robinson
Tamara P. & Charles H. Davis II
Elaine Epstein & Jim Krachey
Mr. & Mrs. Dozier Gardner
Anne Giudice
David Kirkl
Dr. Maydee G. Lande in memory of her father
Alice Levine & Paul Weissman
Shari & Christopher Noe
Nick Russo
John & Debra Sculley
Mr. John Stevens & Ms. Virginia McIntyre
Ernst Ter Haar
Michael Young
ADVOCATE ($1,000 - $2,999)
Anonymous (10)
Mr. Bernard Aserkoff
George & Hillery Ballantyne
Ms. Nesli Basgoz
Christine Bassett & Carey Alexander
Richard & Mahala Beams
John & Molly Beard
John Belchers
Sherie & Walter Bush
Ms. Jane Carr & Mr. Andrew Hertig
Michael & Bernie Caruso in honor of Barbara Case Senchak
Tip & Nino Catalano
Ms. Nina Cohen
Marjorie B. & Martin Cohn
William & Ellen Cross
Pamela & Belden Daniels
Marianne DePamphilis & Ronald Caccavaro
Valerie Dixon
Anne Lyons Dolan in memory of Susan Eastman
Mr. Mark Donohoe
Ms. Priscilla Douglas
Zach Durant-Emmons & Willis Emmons
Edmund & Betsy Cabot Charitable Foundation
Eran & Yukiko Egozy
Johannes Eijmberts & Wiebe Tinga
Mark Elefante & Amy Selinger
Eli Lilly & Company Foundation
Ms. Kathleen Emrich & Mr. Robert Sherwood
Assia Khellaf Eyüboglu & Vedat Eyüboglu
Lawrence & Atsuko Fish
Christopher & Hilary Gabrieli
Nathaniel & Nancy Gardiner
Mrs. G. Peabody Gardner
Gatling Family Giving Fund
Temple Gill & Christopher Yens
Bill Glazer & Tom Smith in honor of Russ López & Andrew Sherman
Dr. David Golan & Dr. Laura Green
Dr. Joan Goldberg
Susan Goldberg & Geoffrey Etnire
Barbara & Steve Grossman
HarborOne Foundation
The Hargrove Pierce Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. John Henn
Dr. Robert J. Henry, M.D.
Art & Eloise Hodges
Ms. Jeannette Hsu
Mr. Craig S. Hughes
Susan Graham Johnston
Mr. Adrian Jones
Eva R. Karger
Stan & Sandy Keller
Helen Kim & Colin Warwick
Ms. Lucy LaFleche
Pam Lassiter
Paul Lee
Marilyn Levitt & Andrew Friedland
Maestro Keith Lockhart & Ms. Emiley Zalesky Lockhart
Joe & Pam LoDato
Tod Machover & June Kinoshita
Steven Maler & Anthony Liquori
Mr. Joseph Mari
Rob & Danny McBride
Jillian* & Andrew McGrath
The Michaud Family
Ms. Kati Mitchell
Rumiko Mizuuchi-Adamowicz & Laurent Adamowicz
Mark & Caroline Murphy
William Reinfeld
Art & Elaine Robins
Elizabeth Ross & William O’Reilly
Lee Sandwen
John Sasso & Mary Jo Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schechter
Ellie Schmidt
Michael Schwartz & Claudia Aronow
Lisa Serafin Sheehan & Brian Sheehan
Annie Short
Mrs. Sarah D. Billinghurst Solomon
Susan Stamler
Richard Starbuck & Deane Hall
Campbell Steward
Myles Striar
Rev. Nancy Taylor
Ms. Melissa Tully
Ms. Paula Tyack
Mrs. Wat Tyler
Mary Verhage
Roderick J. Wagner
Thomas Watson
Albert & Judith Zabin
SUSTAINER ($500 - $999)
Anonymous (11)
Anonymous in honor of Hans Eijmberts & Wiebe Tinga
Daren Bascome
Nina & Donald Berk
Dr. Nancy Berkowitz
Garen Bohlin & Diana Sorensen
Amy & Ethan d’Ablemont Burnes
Ms. Bettina Burr in honor of Irv Plotkin
James F. Crowley, Jr.
Gene & Lloyd Dahmen
Joanna Humphrey Flynn & Bryan Flynn
Carl Folta & Molly Lemeris in honor of Maria Krokidas
Arthur & Gloria Fox
Ms. Christine G. Hannon
Pauline Ho Bynum in memory of Susan Eastman
Fred Hoppin
Thomas & Sonja Ellingson Hout
Martin Kalilow
Ricardo & Marla Lewitus
Mr. Merrill Mack
Eric Mankin
Tyler B. Martin
John & Christina McCormick
Silvio Micali & Daniela Caruso-Micali
Giampaolo Nicosia
Robertu & Carolyn Osteen
Mr. William Pananos
John Parisi
Mr. Gene Pokorny
Mr. Jack Reynolds in memory of Stevie Giacalone
Patricia Romeo-Gilbert
Simon Rosenthal & Nouri Newman
Mr. Michael Schaefer
Jay Scheib
Patrick Seaver
Mr. Robert Shapiro
Lesley Silvester & E.J. Kahn III
Sanjay & Amanda Talluri
Ann B. Teixeira
Michael & Judith Thoyer in honor of Erinn Rhodes
Judith Verhave
Linda & Harvey Weiner
Steve Weiner & Don Cornuet
Angela & Christopher Winchenbaugh
Ed & Keryn Wojosecki
Mr. & Ms. Douglas Woodlock
Joan & Michael Yogg
Harvey Young & Heather Schoenfeld
CONTRIBUTOR ($250-$499)
Anonymous (10)
Anonymous in honor of Benedict Hensley, baritone
Anonymous in honor of Chris Noe
Anonymous, in honor of
Susan Eastman
Anonymous in memory of
Thomas Duffy Gill, Jr.
Dean Anderson & Jean Scarrow
Camille Batarekh & Ann O’Rourke
Peter Bienstock
Sarah B. Blume in honor of
Linda Cabot Black
C. Anthony Broh & Jennifer L. Hochschild
Rebecca Bowen & Toby Bottorf
Ms. Janet Buecker
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Cantillon
Sangita Chandra
Connie Chin
Sharon Daniels
Ms. Kathryn Disney
Lisa Dobberteen
Anne & Gary Dunning
Svetlana Evdokimova
Jack Fabiano & Noel McCoy
Mr. Lloyd Fillion
Kate Gilbert & Chris Colbert
Sandra Gilpatrick
Prof. James A. Glazier
Sylvia Hammer
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Harper
Yael & Eliot Heher
Anneliese Henderson
William Hess in honor of
Thomas Hess
Wendy Hull
Elinore & Herbert Kagan
Courtney Keller
Carol Kemp
Mr. Anthony & Mrs. Susan Kiernan
Blade Kotelly
Robert W. Kruszyna
York Lo & Rebecca Pearson Lo Quinn MacKenzie
Andrew Magdanz & Susan Shapiro
Magdanz
Ken Maillar & Annie Grear
Bruce Malin
Ms. Deena Matowik
Marc Maxwell in honor of Russ López & Andrew Sherman
Margaret McDormand in memory of Anna Elizabeth McDormand
Evelyn McFadden in memory of George Seaman
Ms. Virginia Meany
Ms. Diane Ota
Paul Hart Miller Foundation
Luke & Susie Perry
Ted Pietras
Ms. Helen R. Pillsbury
R. Lynn Rardin & Lynne A. O’Connell
Jim & Sandy Righter
Robert & Iris Fanger Family Foundation
Susan Rodgerson*
Nicholas G. Russell
Mr. Frank Santangelo
John & Ruth Schey
Schrupka Fund
Lauren Schultes
Michael Skatrud
Otto & Dorothy Solbrig
Ellie Starr
John & Mary Tarvin
Glen & Andrea Urban
Steve Walch & Linda Williams
Jerome Weinstein
Polly Pitt Whiteside in honor of Richard Trant
Susan Wing & Thomas Lavin
SUPPORTER ($100-$249)
Anonymous (3)
Alan Benenfeld
Stuart & Dorothy Bless
Carol V. Brown
Charles & Sheila Donahue
Jacqueline G. Haslett, EdD
Newell & Betty Hale Fund of Greater Worcester
Susan Porter & Robert Kauffman
Susan Wheltle
Ms. Jennifer Yanco
Ms. Cynthia Yee
THE BORIS GOLDOVSKY
SOCIETY FOR PLANNED GIVING
Anonymous (1)
Ms. Diana Abrashkin
Michael Barza & Judith Robinson
Linda Cabot Black
Rick Burnes
Mr. David Cole-Rous & Ms. Norma Greenberg
Alicia M. Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Gene Dahmen
Tim Daughters
Tamara P. & Charles H. Davis II
Wayne Davis
Janice Mancini Del Sesto
Mr. Lawrence M. DeVito
Anne Lyons Dolan in memory of Susan Eastman
Dr. Jordan S. Ruboy Charitable Fundu
Mr. Dan Durou
Alan & Lisa Dynner
Margaret Eagle & Eli Rapaport
ENDOWMENT
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous Foundation
Ms. Ann Beha & Mr. Robert A. Radloff
Linda Cabot Black
Katie & Paul Buttenwieser
The Calderwood Charitable Foundation
Robert Eastman
Martin Elvis
Ms. Anne Ewers
Kathryn G. Freed in memory of Dean & Patti Freed
Catherine & Frederick Grein
Allison Groves
Gillian Stuart Hamer
Mr. Joseph Hammer
Mr. & Mrs. John Henn
Mimi Hewlett
Ms. Myrna F. Howe
Amy Hunter & Steven Maguire
Susan W. Jacobs
Ellen & Robert Kaplan
Eva R. Karger
Courtney Keller
Ms. Mary Kiley
Robert W. Kruszyna
Mr. David Latham
Joe & Pam LoDato
Russell López & Andrew Sherman
Timothy Blodgett
Miguel & Suki de Bragança
Dr. & Mrs. Eric & Elaine Bucher
Mr. & Mrs. John Cabot
Alicia M. Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Wayne Davis & Ann Merrifield
Alan & Lisa Dynner
Jody Gill
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
Mr. Stephen Lord
Ms. M. Lynne Markus
Christopher Marrionu
Abigail B. Mason
Domenico Mastrototaro
Richard S. Milstein, Esq.
Mary & Sherif Nada
Jane Pisciottoli Papa
Marie E. Pereto-Hedin
Janet & Irv Plotkin
Sandy & Herb Pollacku
Christine & Michael Puzo
Peter & Suzanne Read
Stephen & Iris Taymore Schnitzer
David W. Scudder
Wendy Shattuck & Sam Plimpton
Mrs. Lois Silverman
Mr. Michael Tronic
Peter J. Wender
Mrs. Marillyn Zacharis
Ms. Tania Zouikin
Abigail B. Mason
Janet & Irv Plotkin
Helen Pounds
Sheila W. & Samuel M. Robbins
David W. Scudder & Betsy Ridge
Wendy Shattuck & Sam Plimpton
Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation
Ms. Tania Zouikin
Boston Lyric Opera’s 2025/26 season is supported in part by the Barr Foundation; The HarborOne Foundation; the Lincoln and Therese Filene Foundation; the Mattina R. Proctor Foundation; Miss Wallace Minot Leonard Foundation; the Poduska Family Foundation; BPS Arts Expansion at EdVestors; the Paul & Edith Babson Foundation; Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation; OPERA America; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture; and Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Corporate sponsors include Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete; MEDITECH; Metropolis + Channel Center Garage; Analog Devices Inc.; Polaris Capital Management; Gilbane Building Company; Flansburgh Architects; and The Residence Inn by Marriott (Boston Downtown/Seaport). Boston Lyric Opera also acknowledges the incredible support of its Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, and other donors and patrons.
Tickets available now at bso.org
Acclaimed soloist Evgeny Kissin joins the BSO on April 23 and 25 for an evening of piano concertos, featuring two contrasting works by Mozart and Scriabin. To close the BSO’s 2025-26 Symphony Hall season in the following week, conductor Dima Slobodeniouk leads Beethoven’s larger-than-life Symphony No. 9, paired with John Adams’ gently unfolding Harmonium for chorus and orchestra.
All performances begin on time. To respect the enjoyment of others, BLO observes a no-late seating policy. While we understand that traffic conditions, public transportation, weather, and other factors can have unexpected effects on your arrival, we wish to minimize disruptions for our seated patrons and for our artists on stage. Additionally, if you must leave during the performance, reentry may be prohibited.
As a courtesy to the artists and for the comfort of those around you, please turn off mobile phones, watch alarms, and other devices with audible signals prior to the start of the performance. The use of cameras or recording devices in the theater is strictly prohibited. For BLO productions & subscriptions, visit BLO.org or call BLO Audience Services at 617.542.6772, MON-FRI | 10-5.
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair access to the Opera + Community Studios is available at 15 Channel Center Street. BLO Staff will be on site to assist with wayfinding and other needs. Restrooms with accessible stalls are located on both levels. Accessible seats are available for each performance at all price levels. If you have questions or concerns about an accessibility need, please contact us at boxoffice@blo.org and one of our staff will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
EXITS
Fire exits are marked by red illuminated signs. The exit closest to your seat indicates the shortest route out of the building. In the event of a fire or other emergency, calmly walk to the closest exit and proceed outside to street level, using stairs only (not elevators). If an evacuation is needed, please follow the instructions of BLO Staff.
Mask wearing is no longer required for most performances and events, but strongly encouraged at all times while in the performance space.
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