Looking Back on Werther: Feedback and Reviews

“A smart and dramatic new production” – Boston Classical Review

“I enjoyed it tremendously and would like to say that the vocals that were displayed were fabulous and were perfectly blended. I took away from the performance a bucket load more respect for opera vocalist[s] and vocalist[s] in general.” – High School Student

“I went to the opera thinking that I would not like it very much. I have seen an opera before at Tanglewood and I did not enjoy it very much. However, I was pleasantly surprised! The opera was visually stunning! I loved the modern art in conjunction with the old fashioned costumes and setting was ingenious. I loved it! My favorite scenes include the scene where the red blood dripped down the wall and where Charlotte was projected onto the wall. … My opinion of opera has drastically changed. I thought the opera was visually stunning! The story was heartfelt and enthralling!”
– High School Student

“Alex Richardson [held] the stage with a warm and flexible tenor … Sandra Piques Eddy delivers a sympathetic and well-sung Charlotte” – The Boston Globe

“I thought the plot was very interesting and the set was complex and thought-provoking and really emphasized the conflict between characters and how they affect one another. The singers were strong and clearly expressed the emotions that come with love. I enjoyed the performance and I thank you for putting in so much effort to put on the awesome show!” – High School Student

“I truly enjoyed my opera experience, and I recommend that everybody go to a professionally done opera at least once in their life. It is truly breathtaking to hear the performers and also the orchestra. You can tell that it takes a great skill to do either one of those. Even though I was blown away by the performance, it is important to note that it was not overwhelming to experience. The set was simple, yet brilliant.” – High School Student

“A thrilling experience… It helps to have such great acting singers such as Alex Richardson in the title role, and the beautifully-voiced Sandra Piques Eddy.” – South Shore Critic

Photos by T. Charles Erickson for Boston Lyric Opera.

Looking Back on In the Penal Colony: Feedback and Reviews

As we approach the holiday season, let's take a moment to look back on our seventh Opera Annex production, In the Penal Colony by Philip Glass. Staged in the historic Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, this unique, dark, and unsettling production left an indelible mark on critics, students, and audience members alike.

“The stage pictures and imagery of every moment [were] astounding and heart-clenching.”
– A. Alexander, MIT student

“Excellent performances … this newest production will be counted as another in [BLO’s] column of successes.”
– Boston Globe

“I was struck by the powerful string instruments and by the poignant theme. I am a new convert now against the death penalty. It's hard to explain, but this opera has broadened my views on that subject.  Thanks for giving the opportunity to expand my mind. I hope I can do the same for my students.”
– Boston Public Schools educator

“As part of its imaginative Opera Annex program, Boston Lyric Opera upended convention even further by putting the piece on in the Boston Cyclorama ... [T]his cavernous space, cleverly treated with absorptive materials as part of the set design, proved ideally resonant for voices and instruments, luring the audience into the opera’s ghoulish spell.”
– Wall Street Journal

“I really enjoyed the opera and it really was unforgettable. I wasn't expecting it to be an opera so I was really surprised when the actors started singing. The lyrics on the screen was a great way to keep the audience focused. It also worked well when the Officer was struggling with his emotions inside him and the machine breaking down. I first thought the screen itself was not functioning well but soon realized that it was part of the theater. It was amazing.”
– M. Saito, Boston College student

“Captivating … very well presented, very well sung.”
– WGBH

“Unforgettable … a true triumph in the company’s history.”
– South Shore Critic



All photos by T. Charles Erickson for Boston Lyric Opera.

Looking Back on La Bohème: Feedback and Reviews

La Bohème has left the stage, but the music lives on! Enjoy this sampling of reactions from students, audience members, and critics.

“One has to applaud Boston Lyric Opera for the boldness of its new production.”
– The Boston Globe

“I thought the production was fabulous in every way. I hope we get the reviews it deserves for being so creative and lush and poignant. Congratulations to the entire artistic team!”
– Tania Zouikin, audience member


“La Bohème was the first opera I have been to, but it surely wont be the last. The captivating performance had me glued in from the first note to the very end…What a marathon—and they all seemed to handle it with ease!”
– Owen Mansfield, Harvard student


“A risky and rewarding update…[with] intellectual punch and polish.  This ‘Bohème’ finds itself in a new era, looking sharp and sounding terrific.”
– WBUR


“I absolutely adored the Opera last night. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it at first, and signed up just to try it out. But when I saw it, it took me into a whole other world.”
– Student, Tabor Academy


“An exceptionally talented cast gave rich performances across the board.”
– Boston Musical Intelligencer


“I was very impressed. The concept was intelligent and it was realized excellently musically, dramatically, and vocally.”
–Audience member


“From the beautiful and ornate theater to the minimalist set, everything was visually wondrous. Then the music began and within ten minutes I was lost in the story.”
– Student, Tabor Academy




All photos: T. Charles Erickson for Boston Lyric Opera