Under Esther Nelson’s artistic and administrative leadership since 2008, Boston Lyric Opera has seen extraordinary growth in programming and operations, cementing its national reputation as an acclaimed producer of traditional and reimagined classic operas, and claiming its place among the nation’s important incubators of new opera works. Just as importantly, the company under Ms. Nelson has seen nearly a decade of surplus budgets, grown its audiences in number and diversity, and implemented new programs that have brought critical and industry notice.

Before joining Boston Lyric Opera, Nelson enjoyed a career with several opera companies and was a successful management consultant for a variety of companies and organizations.

She served from 1995-2002 as General Director and CEO of Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, New York, one of the country’s largest and most prestigious opera festivals. During her tenure, the company experienced artistic growth and fiscal stability, including elimination of an accumulated deficit and development of a surplus. Nelson’s leadership at Glimmerglass earned her a professional citation from the governor of New York. Previously Nelson was General Director and CEO of Nevada Opera in Reno, where she was responsible for the administrative and artistic direction of the company and founded its successful state-wide touring program. Before that, she headed press, marketing, and development departments at the New Orleans Opera and eventually assumed a senior management role there. Nelson held a leading management position at Virginia Opera, during a crucial time when the company was on an international tour and underwent a state-wide expansion of its work. She served as chief executive of Triangle Opera Festival in Durham, NC, producing programs for Duke University as part of her work there.

Nelson’s leadership roles in the national and regional arts community include serving as an evaluator for the New York State Council. She has been a consultant for the industry’s national service group OPERA America. In Louisiana, Nelson served in an advisory capacity to the State Tourism Commission and created joint activities with major cultural organizations of New Orleans.

Nelson management consulting work encompassed a broad range of non-profit clients including: the New York Historical Association; the Fenimore Art Museum and the Farmers’ Museum (both Cooperstown) where she also held the position of Acting President; the European International Music and Arts Foundation; the Cultural Diplomacy Institute (NY and Berlin); Albany Symphony Orchestra; The Douglas Moore Fund in New York City; Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, NY; the Portland (Maine) Opera; Opera Memphis; and The National Endowment for the Arts. She currently serves on the Board of Directors, and the Executive and Finance Committees, for Assurant Insurance Company of New York State. Nelson was on the boards of the Spring Brook Home for Adults and Children with Disabilities, and the international executive committee of the Friends of Amerika Haus in Berlin.”

Esther, her husband Bernd Ulken – a retired Delta Airlines captain – and their two adult children live in the Boston area.

Ironically, goodbyes offer some of the most memorable scenes in opera. Even though many of them follow tragic plot twists, I’m happy to report my departure comes with much enthusiasm, just the right amount of sadness, and great hope for the future of this company.

I have loved my tenure at BLO, working with an incredibly supportive board and inspiring artists, and meeting so many wonderful patrons like you, the members of Orfeo, and our Goldovsky Societies. It’s the ongoing and reliable generosity of our donors that has been so heartening over my tenure here, particularly the last year, which has been a challenge for all of us.

It has always been my belief that institutions benefit from a change of leadership after a decade or so. An arts organization, especially one rooted in centuries of tradition, needs new thinking all the time: new ideas alongside tried and true rituals; fresh takes that honor history while offering new perspectives; young artists who strive for excellence in a new world and acknowledge the people who broke ground before them.

There are so many exciting new leaders in the field right now. I have seen, met and participated in opera industry events with them for many years. None more so than Bradley Vernatter, who proved himself a skilled manager in regular times, and a visionary artistic leader during this pandemic. He will provide excellent leadership and guidance as BLO shapes itself into a company on the leading edge of the opera world.

I am confident BLO will become an ever-stronger creative force in Boston and beyond. This period of pandemic recovery and social realignment has found its board committed to strengthening the company’s purpose and broadening its opportunities. I am excited for the future here, and you should be too. After all, it’s the financial and artistic stability that you have given BLO over the last decade that offers me the opportunity to make room for a new team here.

The next time I see you, I’ll be seated beside you in a theater, or some exciting new spot where we can watch the future of opera unfold together. We can laugh, cry, and swoon over those memorable goodbye scenes, while marveling at how far BLO has come and where its exciting future path leads.

— Esther Nelson

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

OCT 1, 3, 8 & 10 | 2021
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre
Music by Pietro Mascagni | Libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci

Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges makes her BLO and role debut as Santuzza, a young woman caught between love and betrayal. Featuring Alfred Walker as Alfio, this tragic tale follows the entanglements of four lovers in this classic Italian verismo drama. Sarna Lapine will direct, and BLO Music Director David Angus conducts.

SVADBA

WINTER 2022
operabox.tv
Music by Ana Sokolović

A new made-for-the-screen production, Svadba (wedding in Serbian) takes place the evening before a wedding, as a bride and her five girlfriends navigate the fun, serious and sometimes silly rituals that surround this life-changing event. Shura Baryshnikov will direct.

CHAMPION: AN OPERA IN JAZZ

MAY 18, 20 & 22 | 2022
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre

Music by Terence Blanchard | Libretto by Michael Cristofer

Boxer Emile Griffith is a welter-weight prizefighter born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, whose early life and career as a hat-maker are upended when he is drawn into boxing by a promoter. Living a double life as a married athlete and a gay man, Griffith is taunted by prizefight opponent Benny Paret. Griffith pummels Paret, winning the fight but later learning his opponent has died from his injuries. Starring Gordon Hawkins as Emile, Chris Kenney as Young Emile, Tichina Vaughn as Griffith’s mother Emelda, and Ariana Wehr as Cousin Blanche and Sadie Griffith. Canadian-born conductor Kwamé Ryan will conduct.

operabox.tv

ARIADNE AUF NAXOS
Now Streaming
Music by Richard Strauss | Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Witness BLO’s 1991 iconic production that starred and launched the career of American soprano Deborah Voigt.
Seen and heard for the first time in 30 years, this opera is available for viewing on operabox.tv featuring restored audio and video.

DESERT IN
Premieres June 3 | 2021
Conceived by Ellen Reid, christopher oscar peña, and James Darrah
Commissioned and produced by Boston Lyric Opera
Produced in association with Long Beach Opera

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
Now Streaming
Music by Philip Glass | Libretto by Arthur Yorinks

and including Svadba, A Winter’s Evening, Retro+, and more! Explore more on operabox.tv.

Anonymous (6)

Ms. Diana Abrashkin§

Jim Ackerman*

Sam and Nancy Altschuler

Ms. Kimberly E. Balfour*

Michael Barza and Judith Robinson

Catherine Bassick

Drs. Susan E. Bennett and Gerald B. Pier

Carolyn Bitetti and T. Christopher Donnelly

Linda Cabot Black*§

Willa and Taylor Bodman*†

Nonnie and Rick Burnes*§†

Katie and Paul Buttenwieser

Edmund and Betsy Cabot Charitable Foundation

Ms. Ellen Cabot*

Dr. David Campbell*†

Gerard and Sherryl Cohen

Marjorie B. and Martin Cohn

Mr. David Cole-Rous and Ms. Norma Greenberg§

Mr. John Conklin

Nancy and Laury Coolidge

Alicia M. Cooney and Stephen Quigley*§

Mark H. Dalzell and James Dao-Dalzell

Tim Daughters§

Tamara P. and Charles H. Davis II§

Wayne Davis and Ann Merrifield*§†

Miguel and Suki de Bragança*

Carol Deane

Janice Mancini Del Sesto§

Susan Denison

Mr. Lawrence M. DeVito*§

Dr. Charles Dickinson and Ms. JoAnne Dickinson*‡

John Dickinson

Laura Dike and Vaughn Miller*

Anne Lyons Dolan§

Mr. Dan Duro§

Alan and Lisa Dynner*§

Margaret Eagle and Eli Rapaport§

Robert Eastman*§†

Mr. Eijmberts and Mr. Tinga

Andrew L. Eisenberg*

Drs. Martin Elvis and Giuseppina Fabbiano§

Ms. Anne Ewers§

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Feinstein

Mr. David Ferguson

Kathryn G. Freed§

Lise Olney and Tim Fulham*

Mr. and Mrs. Dozier Gardner

Jody and Tom Gill†

Dr. Alfred Goldberg and Dr. Joan Goldberg

Nick and Marjorie Greville

Kathy and Ron Groves

Gillian Stuart Hame§

Mr. Joseph Hammer§

Karen Johansen and Gardner Hendrie

Mimi Hewlett*§

Mr. Keith Higgins

Art and Eloise Hodges

David Hoffman and Deborah Friedman*

Mr. and Mrs. Morton Hoffman

Mr. and Mrs. Amos B. Hostetter, Jr.

Ms. Myrna F. Howe§

Kathleen Hull*

Ernest Jacob*

Amy Hunter and Steven Maguire*§

William A. Hunter and Barbara Bradlee Hunter

Susan W. Jacobs*†

Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Johnson

Ellen and Robert Kaplan*§†

Eva R. Karger§

Ms. Amelia Katzen*†

Courtney Keller§

Ms. Mary Kiley§

Milling Kinard

Maria Krokidas and Bruce Bullen*

Robert W. Kruszyna§

Stephen Kunian*

Dr. Maydee G. Lande

Mr. David Latham§

Drs. Lynne and Sidney Levitsky*

Karen Levy

Mr. Louis Lévy

Richard and Nadine Lindzen

Joe and Pam LoDato*§

Andrew Sherman and Russ Lopez*§

Mr. Stephen Lord§

Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Anita Loscalzo*

Mr. Joseph Mari*

Ms. M. Lynne Markus*§

Christopher Marrion§

Abigail B. Mason*§

Mr. Domenico Mastrototaro§

Mr. Arthur Mattuck

Mr. and Mrs. David S. McCue

Karen E. McShane, MD

Kate Meany*

Merrill Family Charitable Foundation

Jo Frances Meyer*

Dr. Harold Michlewitz

Richard S. Milstein, Esq.§

The Montrone Family

Anne M. Morgan*†

Mary and Sherif Nada*§

Ms. Katharine Nash§

Esther Nelson and Bernd Ulken*

New York Community Trust

Shari and Christopher Noe

Mr. and Mrs. John O’Brien

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Olney III

Cosmo and Jane P. Papa*

Mr. and Mrs. A. Neil Pappalardo*

Dr. Kurt D. Gress and Mr. Samuel Y.  Parkinson*

Mr. and Mrs. E. Lee Perry*†

Mr. Winfield Perry

Janet and Irv Plotkin*§†

Dr. and Mrs. John William Poduska, Sr.

Sandy and Herb Pollack§‡

William J. and Lia G. Poorvu Foundation

Carol and Frank Porcelli

John and Susanne Potts*

William and Helen Pounds*†

Christine and Michael Puzo*§†

Melinda and James Rabb

Suzanne and Peter Read§

Stephen and Geraldine Ricci

Deborah Rose and Dr. Noel Rose‡

Mr. Carl Rosenberg*

Mr. and  Mrs. Vincent and Robin Rougeau

Ms. Carol Rubin*

Dr. Jordan S. Ruboy Charitable Fund§‡

Allison Ryder and David Jones*

Mr. Jonathan F. Saxton and Ms. Barbara Fox

Stephen and Iris Taymore Schnitzer§

Dr. and Mrs. R. Michael Scott

David and Marie Louise Scudder*§†

Rumena and Alex Senchak*

Stephen and Peg Senturia

Susan and Dennis Shapiro‡

Wendy Shattuck and Sam Plimpton

David Shukis and Susan Blair

Mrs. Lois Silverman§

Larry and Beverly St. Clair*

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stata*

Mr. John Stevens and Ms. Virginia McIntyre

Lise and Myles Striar

Ms. Tricia Swift*

Andrew Szentgyorgyi, Nancy Brickhouse and Nicholas Szentgyorgyi

Gregory E. Moore and Wynne W. Szeto*

Tee Taggart and Jack Turner

John H. Deknatel and Carol M. Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tempesta*

Dr. Nelson Thaemert & Mr. Brian Gokey

Mr. Richard Trant*

Mr. Michael Tronic§

Ms. Amy Tsurumi*

Sandra A. Urie and Frank F. Herron

Dr. Robert Walsh and Lydia Kenton Walsh*

Peter Wender*§

Erna and Bill Womble, Jr.

George and Moira Yip*

Mrs. Marillyn Zacharis§

Ms. Tania Zouikin*§

* Board Member, † Lyric Circle Member, § Goldovsky Society Member, ‡ Deceased

Dear Esther,

Thank you for all you have done for the cause of opera in Boston and especially for opera lovers like Katie and me. You have been indefatigable and have maintained your enthusiasm throughout. It has been such a pleasure to enjoy the great familiar works performed by such wonderful artists, while also enjoying the byways of the repertory as well as new works. You have provided us with a rich life of what is still the most complete art form ever devised. I will miss you so much, especially the intermission talks about the work being performed that evening. We wish you all the best in your next adventure and look forward to seeing you early and often in Boston and the Berkshires.

Warmest regards,

Paul Buttenweiser

Dear Esther,

You created the wonderful art called opera for Boston. What you achieved in the face of the challenges that you confronted is remarkable. Your inspiration and creativity as well as that of your chosen team and artists were the stuff of legend. Your overwhelmingly beautiful production of Norma was a capstone to your tenure, a true masterpiece. I don’t have the words to describe how much I enjoyed it. We are so fortunate to have had you as our leader on this opera journey.

In complete admiration,

Wayne Davis

You revolutionized BLO with excellent artistic performances, wise financial and business leadership, inspiration, innovation and determination. Stay near to BLO and continue to help us grow and prosper. Best of luck and happiness in the future.

With love and appreciation,

Alan Dynner

Boston is a culturally richer community today because of your wonderful leadership and vision for Boston Lyric Opera. It has been great to work with you.

Wishing you all the best in the future,

Andy Eisenberg

Dear Esther,

We were fortunate indeed to lure you and your family to Boston from Cooperstown more than a decade ago. You have been a creative and determined leader and have stayed the course beyond our dreams in parlous times. Not the least, you are a joy to know and to work with.

All the best to you, Bernd, and the children in the years to come.

Tom Gill

We have been subscribers to BLO since, I believe, 1993. While we have greatly enjoyed our subscription for all the years since, we have always been casual opera fans rather than true opera devotees. However, the energy and remarkable innovations that you brought to BLO gave us an unprecedented level of excitement for the art in recent seasons. Wherever our relationship with opera goes in the post-pandemic world, we will always remember and cherish that excitement.

Ron & Kathy Groves

An Aria to Esther: We moved to Boston in 2012. We’d been opera lovers for years. Discovering BLO, under the unconventional leadership of Esther Nelson, was an experience that has helped us embrace our new city, find patches of beauty, and meet very interesting people. You have been the Daring Mother of Boston Lyric Opera, protecting, nurturing, taking necessary risks, trusting your instincts, and exercising wise ferocity when needed. You are an Idea Person—not just generating your own, but also investing in those of the creative people you gather together. You give people trust, air, and space, which produces original productions that leave audiences filled with curious anticipation about what might be around the next BLO corner. You have been our opera warrior for over a decade and will surely continue to be a World Brightener in your future endeavors.

Thank you, Esther!

Kathy Hull and Ernie Jacob

Dear Esther,

Sending our best wishes for much happiness on your continuing musical journey and sincere thanks for everything you did to make BLO shine and grow as never before! You will be very much missed but your wonderful legacy will be a lasting one. Brava!

Amy Hunter and Steve Maguire

Dear Esther,

You came, you saw, you made bold, needed, often game-changing moves: the Annex productions; a comprehensive capital campaign; the developing artists program; a new music director; newly commissioned works and new productions of older masterworks; the Shubert farewell; identifying unlikely venues to stage operas (a skating rink, a basketball court); quick responses to a pandemic that kept BLO going and visible; thoughtful succession planning. All not only kept BLO alive and strong, but also often brought national and international recognition and praise. Brava! Vielen, Vielen Dank!

Warmest regards and very best wishes for the future,

Susan Jacobs

Your leadership of BLO has made us thrive. We thank you for the excellent productions, the innovative performances and your wisdom and skill in navigating us through this most challenging year. Brava!

Ellen & Bob Kaplan

To call you a transformative force at BLO is an expression of severe understatement. Unfortunately for us all, the time you had to apply your creative energies to the opera were limited as a result of first, real estate, and second, infectious disease. But what you did accomplish was amazing. Thanks to the extraordinary teams you assembled, all the operas produced under your tenure were innovative, vibrant, and enlightening. Not to mention beautiful, musical and cathartic. You are a magnificent talent that will be sorely missed at BLO. We wish you all the best, but we also wish you were sticking around a bit more.

With much love and gratitude,

Amelia & Josh Katzen

Your bold vision for BLO was carried out with great skill, talent, and imagination. You met myriad challenges (including the pandemic) with inventive and creative solutions.  I send you my best wishes for a well-deserved rest!

Milling Kinard

You have propelled BLO to remarkable heights. You will be missed.

Richard Lindzen

Dear Esther,

We thank you for your commitment to the Boston arts scene and to the BLO in particular. You have made an enormous difference in your thoughtful and caring guidance of the opera, for which we are most grateful.

Best wishes,

Anita and Joe Loscalzo

Dear Esther,

For many years, from my perch as Executive Director at Boston Landmarks Orchestra, I admired you from afar. And the more I got to know about Boston Lyric Opera, and experienced the magnificent BLO productions, I grew to be in awe of your leadership, your passion, your powerful presence in our community, and your countless artistic accomplishments. I feel blessed to have joined the Board of Advisors before the end of your tenure, but I will miss having you at the helm. You leave very big, charming, beautiful, talented, and brilliant shoes to fill. I wish you all good things in this next stage of your life!

With warmest regards and admiration,

Jo Frances Meyer

Dear Esther,

I remember so well meeting you for the first time in November 2008 over lunch at the Cafe Fleuri. Five minutes into our conversation, I recall leaning back in my chair, breathing easier and anticipating with excitement what would lie ahead for our beloved BLO. Over the years of your leadership, all those hopes and expectations have been realized, and exceeded. Your passion for the art form, your attention to your talented staff and to our patrons and artists have solidified our position as a leading opera company. Mary joins me in sending warmest wishes to you and Bernd as you move to your next life chapter.

With love and appreciation,

Sherif Nada

Dear Esther,

Thank you for showing the world that Boston really is an opera town!

Cosmo and Jane Papa

Thank you, Esther, for contributing to the rich culture of Boston and being an inspiration to all opera lovers.

Neil Pappalardo

With a tear in our eye Janet and I send you every good wish for health and happiness.

Irv Plotkin

We were fortunate and grateful to have you with us for so many years. You brought creativity and energy, revitalizing the Boston opera scene.

Sending our best wishes for you next chapter,

Bill and Helen Pounds

Thank you, Esther. You have made it possible for this lowly opera fan to enjoy soothing, scintillating, and challenging opera without having to go to New York. Thanks to you, Boston Lyric Opera is now a major presence in Boston. Your leadership, energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and taste are a high C, and I am not talking about an academic C. But most of all, thank you for your friendship.

With best wishes for your next journey,

Susan R. Shapiro

Dear Esther,

You have done so many memorable operas over the course of your tenure and led a great team. Thank you for your inspiration and artistic vision! We wish you and Bernd happy and healthy years ahead. We will miss you!

Wendy Shattuck and Sam Plimpton

Thank you Esther for your energetic and inspirational leadership in elevating the level and quality of BLO performances. You have motivated us all to join your crusade to build an opera company that is commensurate with Boston’s cultural heritage and reputation for excellence in the performing arts. Your tireless effort and commitment over many years will leave an enduring imprint on the BLO. You have well earned respect and gratitude for your many contributions to our city.

Ray Stata

We want to thank you for your tremendous contributions to BLO and the broader Boston arts community; we wish you best wishes for every success in your next endeavor.

Wynne Szeto and Gregory Moore

Dear Esther!

You arrived, we took flight

Higher, Higher, ever Higher

You were the wind beneath our wings

All Hale! Never Farewell!

Always Remembered,

Beloved wind beneath our wings!

Richard James Trant

Dear Esther,

Congratulations on all your accomplishments – you have made a remarkable mark on BLO, the City of Boston and beyond, and your legacy will invariably live on for generations to come. You are a true leader with an incredible vision and we are so lucky to have been able to enjoy all the amazing productions and exciting new works throughout the years, we are so blessed for these life enriching experiences. Thank you very much for everything!

Best wishes,

Amy Tsurumi & Martin Greenup

Congratulations for your brilliant leadership of BLO. Your innovative, creative, energetic approach enlivened every performance. We deeply value your friendship and wish you all the best in your next chapter.

Sandy Urie and Frank Herron

Dear Esther,

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement….well deserved. Thank you for transforming and revitalizing the BLO. What you have done is truly remarkable in the last 10 years. We are so honored to be part of this incredible journey that you have led. You are certainly leaving behind quite the legacy at BLO. We will miss you. May you have a wonderful life with your family and friends.

In bocca al lupo,

Robert and Lydia Walsh

We are grateful for your years of leadership of Boston Lyric Opera. Thank you for being our leading lady with executive artistry. Your boundless knowledge of our art form, classical and contemporary, and of the business of bringing opera to the world is a gift. Boston and the opera world are beneficiaries of this gift. I wish you good health and great success in future years. We will miss you.

Anne Morgan