Re-Imagine Opera Challenge

Re-Imagine Opera Challenge

Your gift – made by June 30 – will go twice as far to help BLO continue re-imagining opera in new spaces for new audiences.

Now the value of your gift can be doubled through the Re-Imagine Opera Challenge, launched by our Board of Directors. The Board has generously extended the Challenge deadline to June 30 to allow more people to participate. All new and increased gifts are being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Challenge in celebration of our first ever Opera Annex production, Britten’s The Turn of the Screw.

Click on the image below to watch excerpts from the opera, hear the artists' take on this new production and learn more about the Challenge.

Re-Imagine Opera Challenge - Boston Lyric Opera

If we raise an additional $150,000, the Re-Imagine Opera Challenge will double it! Every dollar from gifts that are made by June 30, 2010 and meet the Challenge criteria below will be matched by a dollar from the Re-Imagine Opera Challenge.

Your gift can be matched dollar-for-dollar if it is:

  • An increase over your total giving from the 2008-2009 Season (only increased amount will be matched)
  • A gift in addition to what you have already given for the 2009-2010 Season (between July 1, 2009 and January 19, 2010)
  • A new or increased matching gift from your employer
  • A new gift

Funds raised from the Re-Imagine Opera Challenge will support our Opera Annex audience building efforts, especially among young people, including our first half price preview performance and free dress rehearsal tickets for local music students. The Opera Annex is a fully-staged production in addition to our mainstage season, designed for a found space outside our traditional theatre. In early February we offered a fresh approach to Britten’s The Turn of the Screw at The Park Plaza Castle.


Can you help us meet the Challenge by June 30?
Make a gift online or download our donation form.


Challenge Grant FAQ

  • Why is BLO offering a Challenge Grant?
    This is a very exciting time for BLO as we re-imagine opera in new spaces for new audiences in different ways. In these difficult times, our Board of Directors recognizes the need to increase support for the creative ventures the Company is undertaking. Because BLO had great success last season with the Impact Challenge, we decided to use the same model to launch the Re-Imagine Opera Challenge. Funds raised from this season’s Challenge will also support our Opera Annex half price preview performance and free dress rehearsal tickets for local music students.

  • When did the Challenge Grant start?
    The Challenge Grant began on January 20, 2010. Gifts and pledges made this season before that date do not qualify for the match. If you gave before that date and wish to make an additional gift this season, your additional gift will be matched.

  • What is the deadline to make a qualified gift to the Challenge Grant?
    Gifts must be received by June 30, 2010 to qualify for the Challenge Grant.

  • I have never made a gift to BLO. How will my gift be counted?
    If you make a donation to BLO before June 30, your entire gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Challenge Grant.

  • I gave a gift to BLO many years ago. Will my gift this season count toward the Challenge Grant?
    Yes! If you last gave to BLO prior to June 30, 2008, your gift this season will be treated as a new gift for the Challenge Grant. Your entire gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

  • I gave a gift (or more than one) to BLO last season. What do I need to give to be counted for the Challenge Grant?
    You must give an increased gift over your total giving for the 2008-2009 Season. The amount of the increase will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Challenge Grant.

  • I already gave a gift to BLO at the beginning of the season. Did it qualify for the Challenge Grant?
    Gifts received or pledged before January 20, 2010 do not qualify for the Challenge Grant. If you gave before that date and wish to make an additional gift this season, your additional gift will be matched. Additional gifts must be received by June 30, 2010.

  • I still have questions and am unsure how much I gave last season or this season. What should I do?
    Call 617.542.4912 x230 or email donorservices@blo.org with any other questions about the Challenge Grant or to check your giving history.