The City of Boston Proclamation Whereas, American bass opera singer Morris Robinson who, after successfully pursuing athletics and academics in college, and following a business career that brought him to New England, followed his heart into music and enrolled at Boston University in 1999; AND Whereas, Mr. Robinson's talents were so profound that an audition to join the chorus of Boston Lyric Opera's 1999 production of composer Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida," instead landed him a lead role as King of Egypt in the opera's November 10-21 opening that year; AND Whereas, Mr. Robinson moved from his Boston Lyric Opera debut [...]

  Morris Robinson appeared on WBUR's Radio Boston with Amory Sivertsen to discuss the beginnings of his operatic career with Boston Lyric Opera back in 1999, and his return to Boston for our upcoming production of Aida!  Listen Here:

By Katy Lindhart In just a few short days, Boston Lyric Opera is thrilled to present Verdi’s Aida in concert, one of opera’s grandest and most beloved works. After this special one-night-only performance, audiences are invited to join us for The Opera Gala 2024, which will be raising funds in support of BLO’s free youth and community programs. Let’s meet the powerhouse cast who will bring this epic story of love and sacrifice to life.  Michelle Johnson Soprano Michelle Johnson has made a name for herself as a highly sought-after Aida, performing Verdi’s tragic heroine with Glimmerglass Music Festival, [...]

Dear Friends of Boston Lyric Opera, Many of us are feeling a mix of emotions—whether it’s uncertainty, fear, hope, or anticipation for what’s to come. There is one thing we know for sure: through it all, we have each other, and we have music. At Boston Lyric Opera, we believe deeply in the power of music to connect, heal, and uplift. Time and time again, we have seen this firsthand, as we did when BLO artists brought our community together for our very first outdoor Street Stage production, at a time when the pandemic had halted live indoor performances. [...]

By Lucy Caplan On July 22, 1933, thousands of people streamed into Manhattan’s Hippodrome Theater, undaunted by sweltering temperatures and teeming crowds, eager to witness a performance of Aida unlike anything they had seen before. The 5,300-seat theater, the largest in New York, had sold out days in advance, and patrons clambered for standing-room-only spots; still more were turned away at the door. Many in the audience were Italian American, and about one-third were African American. The evening’s star, soprano Caterina Jarboro, entered to prolonged applause. Fanning their programs in the heat, the audience greeted her with what one [...]

  Today, we celebrate the remarkable artists and global partners who bring BLO’s productions to life. From last season’s Eurydice to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar, and even Svadba from our days on OperaBoxTV - these collaborations remind us that opera has no borders! As our artists and team share their talents worldwide, we’re reminded of the power of opera to connect us all. Join us in celebrating the art form that knows no boundaries! Recent and upcoming Boston Lyric Opera co-productions and collaborations include:   📍Long Beach Opera | 📍Boston Lyric Opera Mitridate, re di [...]

By: Katy Lindhart Aida is just a few short weeks away — do you have your tickets yet?  Our one-night-only performance of Aida on November 10 will be presented as a staged concert, allowing us to focus on the intimacy that lies at the core of this wonderful opera, and — of course — its breathtaking music. Conducted by BLO Music Director David Angus, this cast of accomplished Verdians will thrill and move you.  We are thrilled to welcome Morris Robinson back to the BLO stage, where he sang his first operatic role — in Aida! — in 1999. [...]

  Catch Boston Lyric Opera's Artistic Director Nina Yoshida Nelsen on Mix 104.1's Good Vibe Tribe!  She talks about what an Artistic Director does and why everyone should give opera a try. If you're new to opera or curious about it, this is a must-listen! Nina absolutely nailed it. Big thanks to the MIX team—we can't wait to invite you to a future show!

By: Katy Lindhart In his long career, Giuseppe Verdi wrote an astonishing twenty-eight operas, based on diverse sources — from Shakespeare to Victor Hugo to real world history. Despite the wide variety of stories, many of his operas share common themes. The relationship between father and child, for instance, is highlighted in Don Carlo, Rigoletto, Simon Boccanegra, La traviata, and several others. Fate and destiny, issues of class and social station, and torn allegiances all feature prominently as well. Perhaps due to the complex political landscape of his time, Verdi’s works also explore socio-political oppression and abuse of power. [...]

By: Katy Lindhart What were you doing when you were fourteen? If you’re Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, you were hard at work on an operatic commission for Milan: Mitridate, re di Ponto. Composed in 1770, Mitridate is a remarkable synthesis of Baroque virtuosity and Classical clarity and expressiveness, showcasing the young composer’s exuberance and emerging voice, while still existing within the confines of the Italian opera seria (“serious opera”) genre. The virtuosic vocal writing in Mitridate demonstrates an understanding of the Baroque traditions Mozart inherited, reminiscent of the florid, intricate vocal writing of his predecessors, like George Frideric Handel and [...]