Join us in celebrating—and shaping—opera’s next 50 years in Boston.
Our milestone gala is a chance to invest in BLO’s impact across the region: thousands of students reached through in-school programs, artists cared for at every stage of their creative and personal development, and neighbors engaged through free performances and community partnerships. Throughout classrooms, libraries, community spaces, rehearsal rooms, theaters — and perhaps some unexpected places — BLO’s work centers connection, care, lifelong learning, and shared cultural experiences.
The evening culminates in a special performance by world-class American tenor
Michael Fabiano in a joyful celebration of the power of opera to bring people together.
We are proud to recognize three honorees whose contributions have shaped Boston Lyric Opera’s past and future:
Linda Cabot Black (Leadership Honoree), BLO Board and Leadership Council member, and longtime patron of opera and arts education in Boston
Deborah Voigt (Artistic Honoree), internationally acclaimed opera artist whose breakout performance as Ariadne in BLO’s 1991 Ariadne auf Naxos marked a significant milestone in her singing career
Michael Bobbitt (Community Honoree), President & CEO of OPERA America, formerly Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Voice of God in BLO’s 2025 production of Noah’s Flood
We are deeply grateful to our Gala Co-Chairs, who work tirelessly and with great dedication to make this evening possible:
Miguel & Suki de Bragança
Bill & Susan Poduska
Funds raised by the 50th Anniversary Gala will support BLO’s community and education initiatives, including a newly co-commissioned community opera by Carlos Simon and Tracy K. Smith, shaped in public dialogue with Boston youth and community members.
Support the Gala
Whether you join as a sponsor, table host, or individual guest, your support helps advance BLO’s mission and sustain the work ahead.
Titanium Sponsorship — $50,000
Table of 12, co-sponsorship of Boston’s Community Opera, opportunity to host artists and community partners, gala and concert recognition, invitation to dinner with BLO artistic leadership, meet-and-greet with lead artist, Orfeo Lounge and Opening Night Party access, commemorative gift, and valet parking.
Platinum Sponsorship — $25,000
Table of 10, artist and community partner hosting opportunity, gala and concert recognition, dinner with BLO artistic leadership, meet-and-greet with lead artist, Orfeo Lounge and Opening Night Party access, sponsorship of a mainstage artist during the 50th Anniversary Season, commemorative gift, and valet parking.
Gold Sponsorship — $15,000
Half table for 5, recognition, Orfeo Lounge and Opening Night Party access, meet-and-greet with lead artist, commemorative gift, and valet parking.
Silver Sponsorship — $5,000
2 seats, recognition, Orfeo Lounge and Opening Night Party access, commemorative gift, and valet parking.
Single Ticket — $2,000
1 gala seat, commemorative gift, valet parking.
PRIMA Ticket — $500
1 gala seat, commemorative gift, valet parking.
Questions about sponsorship?
Contact Donor Services at donorservices@blo.org.
Honoring leadership, artistry, and community impact.
We are proud to recognize three honorees whose contributions reflect the values that have shaped BLO’s past and will define its future:
Linda Cabot Black
Leadership Honoree
BLO Board and Leadership Council member, and longtime patron of opera and arts education in Boston.
Deborah Voigt
Artistic Honoree
Internationally acclaimed opera artist whose breakthrough BLO performance in Ariadne auf Naxos (1991) marked an important milestone in her career.
Michael Bobbitt
Community Honoree
President and CEO of OPERA America, formerly Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and a champion of civic and cultural life in Boston.
Gala Co-Chairs
Miguel & Suki de Bragança
Bill & Susan Poduska
Committee
RoAnn Costin
Holly Safford
George & Hillery Ballantyne
Alicia Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Paul & Katie Buttenwieser
Wayne Davis & Ann Merrifield
Maria Park
Rumena & Alexander Senchak
Susan Jacobs
Jo Frances Meyer & Carl Herbert
Janika LeMaitre
Winfield & Linda Perry
Michael & Christine Puzo
Courtney Keller
Archana Venkatamaran
Amy Tsurumi
Arjun Gupta
Listing as of Monday, March 23, 2026
Accessibility: Boston Lyric Opera is dedicated to meeting the needs of each of our patrons to the best of our ability, so that everyone has an enjoyable opera experience. We are committed to implementing the best practices to ensure that opera is accessible to all. This is an ongoing process; please let us know if there is an accommodation we were unable to make, and we will do our best to find a future solution.
Accessible seating is available for each performance at all price levels. Members of the Audience Services team are available to assist with accessible seating purchases at 617.542.6772 or boxoffice@blo.org.
Service animals are welcome to all productions and programs. Please let us know when you purchase your tickets so you and your service animal are seated comfortably.
Digital programs are currently available for each production. A link can be found on the webpage of each opera for viewing and download.
Assistive listening devices are available at the Box Office at every production, with the exception of the Opera + Community Studios. This is a newly renovated space and we are in the process of acquiring the technology to provide this service.
Surtitles in English are provided for every production on multiple screens placed throughout each performance venue.
Do you have a question or a concern about accessibility? We are more than happy to help! Please contact us at boxoffice@blo.org and one of our staff will be in touch with you directly.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available inside the theater, including an ADA accessible restroom on the lower level. Staff will be available to assist with directions as needed.
Coat Check: Coat and bag check availability may vary by performance. We encourage guests to travel light when possible.
About the Venue: BLO’s Opera + Community Studios offers a 250-seat setting designed for immediacy, drawing you into performances up close. Engaging, entertaining, and not to be missed.
Public Transportation
BLO’s Opera + Community Studios is within walking distance of several MBTA stations:
- Broadway (Red Line)
- South Station (Red Line)
Driving Directions
From the North:
- Take I-93 South toward Boston.
- Take Exit 20 toward I-90 / South Station.
- Keep right and follow signs for South Station.
- Continue onto Purchase Street.
- Turn left onto Summer Street.
- Turn right onto A Street.
- Turn left onto Channel Center Street.
- Boston Lyric Opera will be on your right at 15 Channel Center Street.
From the South:
- Take I-93 North toward Boston.
- Take Exit 20 for I-90 / South Station.
- Follow signs for South Station.
- Continue onto Purchase Street.
- Turn left onto Summer Street.
- Turn right onto A Street.
- Turn left onto Channel Center Street.
- Boston Lyric Opera will be on your right at 15 Channel Center Street.
From the Mass Pike:
- Take Exit 134 toward South Boston / Seaport District.
- Keep left following signs for Seaport Boulevard.
- Continue onto Seaport Boulevard.
- Turn left onto A Street.
- Turn right onto Channel Center Street.
- Boston Lyric Opera will be on your left at 15 Channel Center Street.
Parking
Channel Center Garage | 116 W. First St
Advanced online booking available.
Special Rate for BLO Patrons
- $9 (+ fee) Evening/Weekend flat rate, 8 hours maximum
- Purchase Here
If paying via the link above, you must use it each time you park. The Metropolis system will not recognize the special rate unless the link is used for each instance.
The Metropolis parking system will apply charges upon your exit from the garage. The special rate can be applied at the end of your visit, but must be applied before you exit the garage, the Metropolis system will automatically charge your account on file, and the special rate can no longer be applied for that visit.
If the 8-hour parking limit is exceeded, additional charges will be incurred at posted rates:
Monday-Friday
0 mins-30 mins | $10
30 mins – 60 mins | $14
60 mins – 90 mins | $22
120 mins | $32
180 mins – max until 3am | $34
Nights & Weekends | $14
Nightly rates begin at 5pm
New day begins at 3:30am
Nearby Restaurants:
- Row 34 – A top spot for oysters, seafood, and craft beer in a lively, modern space.
- Trillium Fort Point – Popular brewery with elevated pub fare and waterfront vibes.
- Committee – Greek mezze and cocktails in a vibrant, social atmosphere.
- Empire Asian Restaurant & Lounge – Stylish Asian fusion with a high-energy dining scene.
- Lolita Fort Point – An ultra-modern and sophisticated approach to Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails.
- Lucky’s Lounge – Classic throwback bar with comfort food and live music.
Things to Do:
- Boston Harborwalk – A scenic waterfront path ideal for a pre-show stroll.
- Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) – Cutting-edge art exhibitions right on the harbor.
- Fort Point Channel – Historic district known for its arts community and industrial charm.
- Seaport District – A bustling area filled with shops, galleries, and nightlife.
- Leader Bank Pavilion – A popular waterfront venue for concerts and live events.
Whether you’re planning a full evening out or a quick stop before curtain, Boston’s Seaport and Fort Point neighborhoods offer a vibrant mix of dining, waterfront views, and cultural experiences just steps from Boston Lyric Opera’s Opera + Community Studios.
Celebrate the legacy. Shape the future.
Join BLO for an unforgettable evening of music, recognition, and purpose as we celebrate 50 years of opera in Boston—and invest in the next generation of artists, audiences, and community stories.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please reach out to us at boxoffice@blo.org.