The Opera Gala
A Special One-Night-Only Engagement
Sunday November 10, 2024
3:00PM: Concert Presentation of Verdi’s Aida
Emerson Colonial Theatre
6:00PM: The Opera Gala
Opera & Community Studios (at Midway Artist Studios)
To purchase gala tickets or sponsor a table, please contact Donor Services at donorservices@blo.org.
Join us for The Opera Gala, Boston Lyric Opera’s signature fundraising event highlighting our commitment to providing accessible pathways to opera for everyone. This one-of-a-kind gathering will feature a staged concert performance of Verdi’s triumphal masterpiece Aida, an immersive dining experience, and special performances. Enjoy an unforgettable evening while showing your support for BLO’s community initiatives, including our first community opera, Benjamin Britten’s Noah’s Flood.
Tickets to The Opera Gala begin at $1,500 (of which $1,147 is tax deductible), with event sponsorships starting at $5,000.
All gala packages include tickets to the Aida performance.
Thank You
What a magical evening! We’re so grateful you could join us for Aida and The Opera Gala! Your presence and support mean so much to us, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our community.
You Made It Possible
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening through your presence and your gifts. Together, we raised an inspiring total of over $625,000 to continue sharing the magic of opera through BLO’s education and community programs.
If you are interested in supporting BLO through a first-time or additional gift, please contact us at donorservices@blo.org, or visit blo.org/donate. Stay tuned for more information coming soon about The Gerry and Sherry Cohen Walking Together Challenge Match.
If you haven’t already, please let us know of any dietary restrictions or preferences by filling out this form. And of course, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Donor Services at donorservices@blo.org.
GALA ATTIRE
Festive formal attire. Black tie welcome, but not required.
Emerson Colonial Theatre
200 Stuart St. Parking Garage (Near Aida Location)
Address: 200 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116
Operated by LAZ Parking
Special Emerson Colonial Theatre Rates:
$21 for entry between midnight and 4:00 PM
Online pre-payment is required. [Click here to purchase discounted parking.]
BLO’s Opera + Community Studios
Channel Center Garage
Address: 116 W First St
$8 weekend rate
Please note: Please see shuttle service schedule below for transport to the theater before the performance.
We suggest arriving at Channel Center Garage by 1:40 pm and no later than 2:20pm in order to make it on time for curtain.
Shuttles will run throughout the day, transporting guests between the theater and gala venues. Please refer to the full shuttle schedule below for times:
Pre-Show Shuttle
Channel Center Garage ➔ Emerson Colonial Theatre (106 Boylston St)
🚌 Shuttles depart every 15 minutes (or when full) from 1:30 – 2:15 PM.
⏰ Last-call shuttle at 2:20PM. Please note that guests who arrive at Channel Center Garage at or after 2:30PM risk not being on time for the performance.
🚨 Late arrival emergency shuttle at 3:00 PM.
Post-Show Shuttle to Gala
Emerson Colonial Theatre ➔ BLO Gala at Midway Artist Studios (15 Channel Center St)
🚌 5 shuttles departing following the performance – please check the instruction card you receive at check-in to see if you are in group 1 or group 2
Shuttles may make a second loop if needed.
Plan to arrive at the theater between 1:30 – 2:30PM. Upon arrival, go to the designated gala check-in table (not the box office) located in the lobby to collect your Aida tickets and drink vouchers.
Drink vouchers can be used at any bar inside the Emerson Colonial Theatre — pre-show, during intermission, or post-show while you wait for your shuttle. Please note the Ambassador Lounge located on the lower level will be available exclusively for gala guests’ enjoyment.
PERFORMANCE OF Aida is at 3:00 PM
After Aida, head outside to board shuttles bound for BLO’s Opera + Community Studios at Midway Artist Studios, 15 Channel Center Street.
🚍 Shuttle Groups 1: Please proceed directly to the shuttles.
🚍 Shuttle Groups 2: Relax in the lobby bar or Orchestra Lounge until your group is announced.
We’ll call your shuttle group when the bus arrives. Relax, have a drink, wait inside, and just head out when you are ready — shuttles will be departing on a staggered schedule, and we want your experience to be as easy as possible. You’ll receive your shuttle assignment at check in.
Gala cocktail reception and dinner will take place from 6:00 – 9:30 PM at BLO’s Opera + Community Studios.
FOLLOWING THE EVENT (Transportation to parking garages)
Shuttles will be running to both parking locations at the end of the evening.
End-of-Night Shuttles
BLO Gala ➔ 200 Stuart St. Parking Garage or Channel Center Garage
⏰ Final shuttles will run to both parking locations after the event through 10:30PM.
Dear Sponsors and Guests of The Opera Gala 2024,
We are reaching out to inform you of a recent change to the dinner location of The Opera Gala on Sunday, November 10.
Boston Lyric Opera made the decision to relocate our Gala dinner to BLO’s Opera & Community Studios at 15 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210 (at Midway Artist Studios) along the Fort Point Channel and South Boston waterfront.
This decision was made in response to the ongoing labor strike at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza by Local 26 hospitality workers. As an organization committed to collaboration with diverse employee groups and unions, BLO respects the rights of all workers and deeply values these partnerships. After we made this decision earlier this week, we received word that the Hilton and Local 26 have reached a tentative agreement. Although we are pleased to hear of progress toward resolution, given the timeline and the extensive preparations required, we will move forward with an event at the Opera & Community Studios to ensure a high-quality experience for all our guests.
Our Opera & Community Studios, BLO’s new creative hub, will provide an intimate and inspiring setting for this year’s Gala dinner following the performance of Aida at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Some aspects of the evening may be adjusted to suit the new space, but our purpose remains steadfast: to connect with our community and raise vital funds that support BLO’s mission and vision.
Organizing this change has been a significant undertaking, and we are deeply grateful for the support of our Gala Chairs, the Gala Committee, and the BLO staff, all of whom have worked tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable event. Thank you for your patience and understanding, more details will follow!
This year’s Gala exemplifies the importance of BLO’s expanded space, which allows us to showcase our work and our vision in a setting we now call our own. Your support has made this flexibility possible, underscoring the impact of BLO’s Opera & Community Studios on our artists and community.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We look forward to celebrating together in a space that truly reflects the spirit of BLO.
Sincerely,
Alicia Cooney, Board Chair and Co-Chair of The Opera Gala 2024
Alex Senchak, Philanthropy Chair and Co-Chair of The Opera Gala 2024
Bradley Vernatter, Stanford Calderwood General Director & CEO
BLO is proud to honor these extraordinary individuals for their remarkable contributions to the opera community in Boston and beyond.
RAY & MARIA STATA
Committee Members
Alicia Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Co-Chairs
Rumena & Alexander Senchak
Co-Chairs
Katie & Paul Buttenwieser
Wayne Davis & Ann Merrifield
Miguel & Suki de Bragança
Kristine Moyer Higgins & Bob Higgins
Jennifer Ritvo Hughes & Marcus Hughes
Susan W. Jacobs
Janika LeMaitre
Jo Frances Meyer & Carl Herbert
Maria Park
Janet & Irv Plotkin
Michael & Christine Puzo
Andrew & Barbara Senchak
Young Patrons Chair
Arjun Gupta
Sponsors
Platinum
Katie & Paul Buttenwieser
Alicia Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Wayne Davis & Ann Merrifield
Kristine Moyer Higgins & Bob Higgins
Michael & Christine Puzo
Gold
Alberto Cribiore & Kristin Sebastian
Miguel & Suki de Bragança
Barbara & Amos Hostetter
Janika & George LeMaitre
Winfield & Linda Perry
Samuel Plimpton & Wendy Shattuck
Barbara & Andrew Senchak
Silver
Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
Susan W. Jacobs
Maria Krokidas & Bruce Bullen
Movement Arts Creation Studio
Janet & Irv Plotkin
Russell Philanthropies Rumena & Alexander Senchak
Ray & Maria Stata
Listings as of September 15, 2024
Design & Production Sponsor:
Tyger Event Design + Production
Beverage Sponsor:
Ninety Plus Cellars
Media Sponsor:
The Boston Globe
- Event reservations for you and your guests (based on sponsor level), which include cocktail hour, dinner, remarks, and live music
- Recognition in all performance and gala materials
- Invitation to special Aida preview event
- Special commemorative gala gift
- Complimentary valet parking at the Boston Park Plaza
- Additional sponsorship benefits to be announced!
Platinum Sponsorship | $25,000
- Gala table of ten (10) with premium tickets to Aida performance
- Opportunity to host BLO artists and community partners at your table
- Invitation to dinner with BLO Artistic Leadership
- Sponsor and guest access to all 2024/25 season Orfeo Lounges
- Complimentary bar at Aida performance
- Complimentary one-night stay for sponsor at the Boston Park Plaza
- $21,140 is tax deductible
Gold Sponsorship | $15,000
- Gala table of six (6) with tickets to Aida performance
- Opportunity to host BLO artists and community partners at your table
- Sponsor and guest access to all 2024/25 season Orfeo Lounges
- Complimentary bar at Aida performance
- Discounted one-night stay for sponsor at the Boston Park Plaza
- $13,252 is tax deductible
Silver Sponsorship | $5,000
- Gala seating for two (2) with tickets to Aida performance
- Sponsor access to all 2024/25 season Orfeo Lounges
- $4,289 is tax deductible
Corporate opportunities also available. Contact us at donorservices@blo.org for more information.