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Organization

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Boston Lyric Opera

Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) is New England’s largest opera company. Founded in 1976, BLO is recognized for its artistically excellent productions of a diverse repertoire that entertain and inspire audiences and feature emerging operatic talent. BLO produces three mainstage productions at the Citi Performing Arts Center (SM) Shubert Theatre in Boston and a production of a fully staged, one-hour English version of a popular Opera for Young Audiences throughout New England. BLO’s programs are funded - in part - by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more at blo.org



  • At-a-
    Glance

    • Contact Info

      Boston Lyric Opera

      45 Franklin Street
      Boston, MA 02110

      Phone: 617.542.4912

      Fax: 617.542.4913

      Email

      Official Website

  • Current &
    Upcoming Events

    • Current Events

      There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

    • Upcoming Events
      11/05/10-
      11/16/10       		 Puccini's Tosca
      Citi Shubert Theatre
      02/01/11-
      02/06/11       		 Viktor Ullmann's The Emperor of Atlantis, or Death Quits
      Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA
      03/11/11-
      03/22/11       		 Handel's Agrippina
      Citi Shubert Theatre
      04/29/11-
      05/10/11       		 Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream
      Citi Shubert Theatre

  • Past
    Events

  • Media
    Reviews

    • Media Reviews

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Idomeneo, re di Creta
        Idomeneo
        Boston Theatre Review - Apr 29, 2010
        By J. Jacob Krause

        "Boston Lyric Opera’s new production of this classic opera was beautiful and inventive...wonderful singers that rounded out Boston’s premiere opera company’s 'Idomeneo...All in all, this was a beautiful piece of music, wonderful to listen to, wo… Expand

        "Boston Lyric Opera’s new production of this classic opera was beautiful and inventive...wonderful singers that rounded out Boston’s premiere opera company’s 'Idomeneo...All in all, this was a beautiful piece of music, wonderful to listen to, wonderful to see in action and well done by Boston Lyric Opera...I would love to see more productions on par with this 'Idomeneo.' Both David Angus and Lillian Groag are great additions to the company of BLO and I would be happy to see their return to the helm in the future. Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Idomeneo, re di Creta
        A Memorable Idomeneo
        The Hub Review - Apr 27, 2010
        By Thomas Garvey

        "...a beautiful and well-sung...version of the opera through this weekend: slowly Boston has been discovering it, too. I've been arguing for some time that BLO...is actually our next Boston-Ballet-like success story, and "Idomeneo" ser… Expand

        "...a beautiful and well-sung...version of the opera through this weekend: slowly Boston has been discovering it, too. I've been arguing for some time that BLO...is actually our next Boston-Ballet-like success story, and "Idomeneo" serves, I think, as a ratification of that claim, the capstone to a startling season which has included such memorable productions (and superb vocal ensembles) as "The Turn of the Screw" and "Ariadne auf Naxos." Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Idomeneo, re di Creta
        BLO takes on its first ‘Idomeneo’
        Boston Globe - Apr 24, 2010
        By Jeremy Eichler

        "'Idomeneo' is worth seeking out, especially if you’re a Mozart fan not yet acquainted with this wonderfully imaginative score." Expand

        "'Idomeneo' is worth seeking out, especially if you’re a Mozart fan not yet acquainted with this wonderfully imaginative score." Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        Of Strauss, slapstick, and Ariadne auf Naxos
        The Hub Review - Mar 16, 2010
        By Thomas Garvey

        A preview of the North American premiere of Welsh National Opera's acclaimed production, with an interview with Revival Director Denni Sayers. Expand

        A preview of the North American premiere of Welsh National Opera's acclaimed production, with an interview with Revival Director Denni Sayers. Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        High Art Lite:The Boston Lyric Opera’s Ariadne Auf Naxos
        PlanetEyeTraveler Boston - Mar 15, 2010
        By Maria Olia

        "Boston Lyric Opera’s presentation of Richard Strauss’ "Ariadne Auf Naxos" is a highly entertaining production...with some terrific sets and costuming...Marjorie Owens...has a clear and beautiful voice. Brandon Jovanovich was outstandi… Expand

        "Boston Lyric Opera’s presentation of Richard Strauss’ "Ariadne Auf Naxos" is a highly entertaining production...with some terrific sets and costuming...Marjorie Owens...has a clear and beautiful voice. Brandon Jovanovich was outstanding as Bacchus...Mezzo-soprano Edyta Kulczak is a convincing as the passionate Composer. Soprano Rachel Gilmore plays the flirty Zerbinetta-the lead actress of the comedy troupe- with excellent phrasing and great appeal. The merry pranks of the band of comic actors; Julius Ahn, Jesse Blumberg, David M. Cushing and Tracy Wise, move the story along. While Erik Nielsen conducts Strauss’ lovely score, nicely keeping the balance between the voices and the orchestra." Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        Ariadne auf Naxos (Boston Lyric Opera)
        EDGE Boston - Mar 15, 2010
        By Ed Tapper

        "Long absent from the Boston opera stage, Richard Strauss’ witty pastiche, "Ariadne auf Naxos" is undergoing a splendid revival at the Shubert Theatre...The BLO "Ariadne auf Naxos" is impeccably cast. It is a rare treat to he… Expand

        "Long absent from the Boston opera stage, Richard Strauss’ witty pastiche, "Ariadne auf Naxos" is undergoing a splendid revival at the Shubert Theatre...The BLO "Ariadne auf Naxos" is impeccably cast. It is a rare treat to hear all the roles, down to the smallest bit, performed by singers who possess just the right voices for the parts they are singing....By coincidence, the Metropolitan Opera has just finished a run of the opera. However, one could not envision a better sung production than that currently being offered by the Boston Lyric Opera. Performances run until March 23. Don’t miss this one!" Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        Lyric Opera brings fresh ‘Ariadne’ to Shubert
        Boston Globe - Mar 15, 2010
        By Jeremy Eichler

        "A delightful new production...a dynamic set of rising singers including Marjorie Owens in the title role. This young American soprano...showed off an impressively large, orchestra-piercing voice, full of dark Wagnerian colorings and Weltschmerz… Expand

        "A delightful new production...a dynamic set of rising singers including Marjorie Owens in the title role. This young American soprano...showed off an impressively large, orchestra-piercing voice, full of dark Wagnerian colorings and Weltschmerz. Edyta Kulczak was a wonderfully impassioned Composer, singing with irruptions of ardent tone. Rachele Gilmore was a winning Zerbinetta, with all the coquettish charm this role demands and also the secure technique and theatrical flair to make the role’s big coloratura number feel organically connected to her character rather than like a stretch of disconnected virtuoso preening. And Brandon Jovanovich showed off a robust, clear, shapely and resonant tenor in the high-lying role of Bacchus. The numerous smaller roles were all capably sung, and sometimes much more than that." Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        Debut Performances Shine in BLO Ariadne
        Boston Musical Intelligencer - Mar 13, 2010
        By Rebecca Marchand

        BLO’S "Ariadne auf Naxos" succeeded with the innate challenges of an opera about an opera, and served as a showcase for exciting and inspiring vocal talent. Expand

        BLO’S "Ariadne auf Naxos" succeeded with the innate challenges of an opera about an opera, and served as a showcase for exciting and inspiring vocal talent. Collapse

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        BLO delights with ‘Ariadne’
        Boston Herald - Mar 13, 2010
        By Keith Powers

        "The singing is solid throughout, dominated by Ariadne (dramatic soprano Marjorie Owens) and her foil Zerbinetta (fetching lyric soprano Rachele Gilmore). Both were making BLO debuts, and both will undoubtedly return. Owens, who sings with stadi… Expand

        "The singing is solid throughout, dominated by Ariadne (dramatic soprano Marjorie Owens) and her foil Zerbinetta (fetching lyric soprano Rachele Gilmore). Both were making BLO debuts, and both will undoubtedly return. Owens, who sings with stadium-sized power, could fill many major roles as she grows artistically. Gilmore is the whole package - a clever actress with a top-notch voice and a winning manner. Tenor Brandon Jovanovich (Bacchus) and mezzo Edyta Kulczak (the Composer) also sang with power, and the rich supporting cast, too numerous to acknowledge individually, sang and acted with distinction." Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        BLO leaves home with Britten’s “Turn of the Screw”
        Boston Globe - Feb 04, 2010
        By Jeremy Eichler

        The vocal performances were among the best I have heard in any BLO production of recent years. Expand

        The vocal performances were among the best I have heard in any BLO production of recent years. Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        Making Opera Cool Is Easier When You Have A Castle
        wbur.org - Feb 03, 2010
        By Andrea Shea

        "BOSTON — New England’s largest opera company is trying something new. The Boston Lyric Opera is taking a production out of the theater and into The Castle, a historic landmark in Boston’s Back Bay. “Turn of the Screw” opens there Wednesday nigh… Expand

        "BOSTON — New England’s largest opera company is trying something new. The Boston Lyric Opera is taking a production out of the theater and into The Castle, a historic landmark in Boston’s Back Bay. “Turn of the Screw” opens there Wednesday night." Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        ‘Screw’ tightens tension at Castle
        the edge BostonHerald.com - Feb 03, 2010
        By Keith Powers

        "The Boston Lyric Opera usually holds forth in the Shubert Theatre, but the company found a more foreboding venue to stage its production of Benjamin Britten’s mysterious and compelling “The Turn of the Screw”: the Park Plaza Castle" Expand

        "The Boston Lyric Opera usually holds forth in the Shubert Theatre, but the company found a more foreboding venue to stage its production of Benjamin Britten’s mysterious and compelling “The Turn of the Screw”: the Park Plaza Castle" Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        The Turn of the Screw
        Edge - Feb 03, 2010
        By Ed Tapper

        "To create the proper ambience, Boston Lyric Opera is moving its performing forces to The Castle on Columbus Avenue for its new production of Benjamin Britten’s chamber opera, The Turn of the Screw." Expand

        "To create the proper ambience, Boston Lyric Opera is moving its performing forces to The Castle on Columbus Avenue for its new production of Benjamin Britten’s chamber opera, The Turn of the Screw." Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        Lost Innocence: Unfolding Horror in Turn of the Screw
        The Boston Musical Intelliger - Feb 01, 2010
        By Bettina A. Norton

        '“I seek a friend —Obedient to follow where I lead, Slick as a juggler’s mate to catch my thought… and in that hour ‘The ceremony of innocence is drowned’…” This ominous text is from the libretto to Benjamin Britten’s opera, Turn of the Screw, to be… Expand

        '“I seek a friend —Obedient to follow where I lead, Slick as a juggler’s mate to catch my thought… and in that hour ‘The ceremony of innocence is drowned’…” This ominous text is from the libretto to Benjamin Britten’s opera, Turn of the Screw, to be presented by Boston Lyric Opera as an Opera Annex production at the Park Plaza Castle on February 3, 5, and 6.' Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        Scaring up an alternative venue Park Plaza Castle is the setting for ‘Turn of the Screw’
        Boston.com - Jan 31, 2010
        By Harlow Robinson

        Boston Lyric Opera turns the Park Plaza Castle into a spooky performance venue. Expand

        Boston Lyric Opera turns the Park Plaza Castle into a spooky performance venue. Collapse

      • Event Name: Britten's The Turn of the Screw
        Boston Lyric Opera's The Turn of the Screw
        ArtsEditor - Jan 19, 2010
        By Jonah Kappraff

        "Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) is inaugurating its Opera Annex, a plan to present operas at alternative venues, providing new insights into the works." Expand

        "Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) is inaugurating its Opera Annex, a plan to present operas at alternative venues, providing new insights into the works." Collapse

      • Event Name: Carmen
        Carmen
        EDGE Contributor - Nov 09, 2009
        By Ed Tapper

        French opera continues to be a curiously elusive genre on our musical stages. Whether it is the difficulty of the sung, French language, a scarcity of singers to do it justice, or a general decline in its popularity, it seems to have taken a subsidia… Expand

        French opera continues to be a curiously elusive genre on our musical stages. Whether it is the difficulty of the sung, French language, a scarcity of singers to do it justice, or a general decline in its popularity, it seems to have taken a subsidiary position to Italian, German, and even Eastern European forms---much to the dismay of Francophiles and true, opera buffs. With its sumptuous production of Massenet’s Thais a few seasons back, Boston Lyric Opera distinguished itself as our sole bastion of French opera. For its season-opener, the company chose the grand-daddy, or should we say, the big mama of them all--- Bizet’s Carmen.
        Collapse

      • Event Name: Carmen
        For BLO, a potent new chamber “Carmen”
        Boston Globe - Nov 07, 2009
        By Jeremy Eichler

        Boston Lyric Opera’s general director Esther Nelson has promised more homegrown new productions for the company, and she is keeping her word. Last night at the Shubert Theatre, BLO opened its season with a new “Carmen,’’ presented in a stripped-down,… Expand

        Boston Lyric Opera’s general director Esther Nelson has promised more homegrown new productions for the company, and she is keeping her word. Last night at the Shubert Theatre, BLO opened its season with a new “Carmen,’’ presented in a stripped-down, theatrically intense staging by Nicholas Muni.

        Collapse

  • Member
    Reviews

    • Member Reviews

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Idomeneo, re di Creta
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Don't miss this Mozart opera performance!"
        Review posted by: Lori from Boston, MA USA, Apr 26, 2010

        Great performances on opening night by tenor Jason Collins as Idomeneo, mezzo soprano Sandra Piques Eddy as Idamante, and soprano Camille Zamoria as Ilia. Caroline Worra as the left-out Ellettra and... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Definitely worth seeing"
        Review posted by: Rachel from Boston, MA, Mar 30, 2010

        I really enjoyed the BLO's production. The singing was fabulous, and it really had the audience laughing. My only complaints were that the staging for the 'tragedy' part of the opera was a little... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Ariadne auf Naxos"
        Review posted by: Gail from Boston, Mar 18, 2010

        BLO has done a superb job of casting Ariadne auf Naxos The cast is truly outstanding. Their voices are amazing! I was so happy to be able to attend.

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Very Funny and entertaining"
        Review posted by: Irene from Rowley, MA, Mar 17, 2010

        Great singing, great acting, lots of fun energy and you don't need to know German to get the message. I sat in the first row Orchestra and it seemed the cast was having fun.

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Superb production!"
        Review posted by: Ruth from Newton, MA, Mar 15, 2010

        All the voices and the acting were incredible. Whenever one of the principles left the stage, I couldn't wait to see them again. Plus it was a hoot to see Will Lebow on the opera stage. He was great!... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Great show!"
        Review posted by: Matt from Somerville, MA, Mar 12, 2010

        Great performances abound in this fun and hilarious production. Highly recommended!

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Accessible, Light-hearted and Meaningful - and FUN!"
        Review posted by: Matt Kurkowski from Malden, MA, Mar 12, 2010

        Had the opportunity to see the final dress rehearsal of the performance and was blown-away by the attention to detail, mastery of character of the entire cast and of course their astounding... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Ariadne auf Naxos"
        Review posted by: kati mitchell from Cambridge, MA, Mar 12, 2010

        So glad to have had the opportunity to see this terrific production, one of the best I have seen at BLO. The cast is as good as it gets, the direction clever and fun.... cannot recommend it... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Enjoyable Light Opera"
        Review posted by: Jeanie from Boston, MA, Mar 12, 2010

        The show is really interesting, and I would recommend - very different from the "typical" opera in that there is a mix of English and German, and also a mix of "tragedy" and "comedy." The music was... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Hilarious and fabulous!"
        Review posted by: Krista from Boston, MA, Mar 12, 2010

        I attended the final dress rehearsal and was thoroughly entertained. One of the most talented and balanced casts I've seen at the BLO. The opera is very funny and accessible for opera novices and... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

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