Welcome to Boston Lyric Opera’s 47th Season!
On behalf of all of us at Boston Lyric Opera, I extend a hearty welcome to the beginning of our 2023/24 season.
This season, we embark on a journey of love – exploring the idea “All I have, I give for love.” This quote comes from our closing opera of the season, Eurydice, a new work by Boston-born composer Matthew Aucoin, based on the famous play by Sara Ruhl, and has become a theme that has resonated as we prepare these productions for the stage. Each story this season asks the question, what would you give for those you love?
Our Madama Butterfly asks this question of the heroine in a new way. Inspired by the lives of thousands of Japanese American women, from a real place and time in American history, we encounter Butterfly as she falls deeply in love before her life is upended by the sociopolitical fallout of World War IIWhile our telling is both familiar and revelatory, at the heart of this story is a multi-dimensional, fully-formed woman navigating extreme circumstances while caring for her family. She exemplifies strength, courage, and love that reaches beyond the walls of a theater and reminds us of our own humanity.
In many ways, this Season’s question resonates with me personally – for the love of opera, so much is worth giving. This fall’s production of Madama Butterfly is the culmination of nearly three years of exploration, discussion, and deep internal reflection. We gave our time and energy to broaden our perspectives and center storytelling that invites everyone to participate because of our love – love for Puccini’s music, for this art form, for our shared stories, and for all of you – our community, from those in the audience to those on and off the stage.
I am humbled by, and express deep appreciation for, our exceptional artists who alongside our Board, staff, and you – our community – are expanding what opera can be, for all of us.
You make opera possible. Thank you for supporting Boston Lyric Opera and thank you for your participation in our arts community.
Bradley Vernatter, Stanford Calderwood General Director & Chief Executive Officer