Make a Year-End Gift in Support of BLO

Pictured above: BLO Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artist Junhan Choi performing in BLO's offices at Midway Artist Studios in Fort Point.

Dear Friends of BLO,

The pursuit of a successful career in opera is a challenging-and expensive-undertaking. Singers must continually hone their talent with regular coaching, expand their repertoire by learning new roles, and finding opportunities to make themselves heard.

Here at Boston Lyric Opera, we recognize that the next generation of opera stars need to be nurtured in order to flourish, and that the future of the art form depends on their success.

We provide the support our Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artists need to grow their careers: from paid performance opportunities at events like this fall's Fort Point Open Studios, to one-on-one vocal coachings and career guidance with BLO artistic leadership, understudying lead roles in BLO productions, and more.

Opportunities and initiatives like these are made possible through the support of BLO champions like you. Please consider making a special year-end gift today to support the next generation of opera stars.

MAKE A GIFT

From all of us at Boston Lyric Opera, thank you for making 2022 an unforgettable year. Your support will help us stand firm in our mission: to inspire, entertain, and connect communities through compelling opera performances, programs, and gatherings.

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

With gratitude,

Bradley Vernatter

Stanford Calderwood General Director & CEO

Seasons Greetings from Bradley Vernatter

 

A Note from Bradley Vernatter

Each year as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season, I am reminded of the extraordinary people I am privileged to meet through my work at Boston Lyric Opera. This year I was able to make new, lasting connections through our educational partnership programs and our work in our Fort Point Arts Neighborhood. 

In the fall, we launched the Opera Innovators Series, a new educational and artist development partnership with Boston Conservatory at Berklee voice and opera programs. This partnership fulfills our Company goals and unlocks incredible opportunities for the next generation of opera artists - BLO's Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artists and PCP students. 

I saw that come to life last week with soprano Karen Slack's terrific master class presentation. Seeing her support these young singers in their artistic development was a treat. Up next for the series, I can't wait to welcome BLO Artistic Advisor Nina Yoshida Nelson and Anne Bogart, visionary director of BLO's 2019 The Handmaid's Tale, whose work you will see again for our upcoming production of Bluebeard's Castle/Four Songs.

Pictured from left to right: Brett Hodgdon, Pianist (BCB Faculty; BLO Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artist Alumnus), 

Julia Janowski, Mezzo-Soprano (BCB '24), Fred C. VanNess Jr., Tenor (Jane & Steven Emerging Artist),

Kayla Kovaks, Soprano (BCB '24), Laura Santamaria-Mendez, Soprano (BCB '23), Karen Slack, Soprano,

Jamila Drecker-Waxman, Soprano (BCB '23)

Our programming in the Fort Point Arts Neighborhood has also brought new relationships, like the many artists and operagoers I met at the Fort Point Open Studios in the fall. When BLO relocated to Midway Artist Studios, we joined an established group of creative people who have made this rapidly growing area friendly and affordable for artists. Good things happen in places where the arts thrive. I see that here, and it inspires me to continue working with our partners to make arts and cultural spaces that strengthen our community.

Of course, my most rewarding connection is with you, our audiences, and the champions of BLO. I am so thankful for the support we receive, and so are the many artists we work with each year. Thank you for being a vital part of making opera and contributing to a strong arts community in Boston.

From all of us at Boston Lyric Opera, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

Wish warm wishes-and gratitude,

Brad

Bradley Vernatter

Stanford Calderwood General Director & Chief Executive Officer