And Now, A Word From Our Intern…

By BLO Intern Katarina Holmgren

As a two-year-old, I was giving mini concerts standing on top of my yellow and orange Fisher Price picnic table singing to my family and anyone else who would listen.  A bundle of energy, I could often be seen singing whimsical songs while twirling around.  Music truly has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Whether I am at home, in my dorm, or walking down the street, I am either singing or running through a melody in my mind, about to burst into song at the next possible moment.  I just can’t help myself!

I realize that I want music to always be a huge part of my life.  As an economics and music (vocal performance concentration) double major, I looked to gain experience in arts administration and see the behind-the scenes-workings of an arts organization this summer.  It’s exciting to have the opportunity to intern with Boston Lyric Opera.  Working in an environment surrounded by people who enjoy their jobs and the final product that they work so hard to produce is really rewarding.  I have been doing tasks ranging from preparing orchestra scores for the Landmarks Concert, to organizing audition materials, to researching grants, to helping with press and publicity.  Although each day brings something a little bit different, I know that everyday I am part of the process which will produce a fabulous final product.  I am looking forward to continuing my work here in the coming weeks!

This internship has put me in a unique place in preparing for my career.  It has not only fostered my interest in arts administration and piqued my interest in PR, but also made me want to perform even more.  I realize that a career as a performer is challenging and that I am only in the beginning stages of preparing for this, but it’s still something I am interested in pursuing.  Maybe someday my performing venue will be transformed from a yellow and orange picnic table to the opera houses of the world.  Who knows!  I do know, however, that there are countless possibilities and that I am very thankful for the wide range of experiences I have gained through this internship with BLO.