BLO Annual Report 2017/18

ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 SEASON

ESTHER NELSON, STANFORD CALDERWOOD GENERAL & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | DAVID ANGUS, MUSIC DIRECTOR | JOHN CONKLIN, ARTISTIC ADVISOR

2017/18 SEASON:

BY THE NUMBERS • 6 career advancements of rising

professionals through our annual class of BLO Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artists

• 78 hosted community events and programs

• 350 employment opportunities

for artists and theater professionals

• 870 free Final Dress Rehearsal tickets given to high school and college students

• 8,717 engaged audience

members through BLO community and education programs

• 13,124 tickets sold in the

LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

2017/18 Season

William Burden performs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

WELCOME Dear Patrons, Opera is, above all, a collaborative art form. The efforts of dozens (sometimes hundreds) of individuals—the composer, the set designer, the singer, the publicist, the technical team, and the audience member, to name just a few—combine in a furor of music, passion and sweat. When we’re doing our jobs right, we produce art. Sometimes, whether it’s by luck or alchemy or some magic combination of both, we achieve greatness.

That’s why we at Boston Lyric Opera are so proud of the achievements of our 41st Season. In 2017/18, we saw three out of four productions sell out; we exceeded our single-ticket sales goal by a stunning 31%; we launched new and strengthened existing partnerships; we ended the year with our eighth consecutive operating surplus; and we did all of this while stretching ourselves creatively and technically, reaching new artistic heights.

Our Season-opener, Tosca, delivered the grandeur of Puccini’s classic in a lavish period production at one of Boston’s architectural gems, the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre—and introduced Russian soprano Elena Stikhina in her American debut. BLO’s New Works Initiative launched with The Nefarious, Immoral but Highly Profitable Enterprise of Mr. Burke & Mr. Hare, a dark comedy of murder and morals, which garnered a 2018 International Opera Award Nomination for Best World Premiere. Our all-new production of The Threepenny Opera confronted the underbelly of capitalism with irresistible wit and introduced the work of stage director James Darrah to Boston; and finally, our rare pairing of Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Arias & Barcarolles, a contribution to the centenary celebration of this great artist’s life, became the most talked-about installation in town, with a set inspired by the cabaret clubs of the 1950s as the backdrop for a musically and emotionally deft portrayal of an American marriage.

Our work in the community is as vibrant as our work onstage. This Season, we deepened existing partnerships with landmark institutions such as the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Boston Athenaeum, and embarked on new ventures, such as with the exciting music organization Castle of our Skins, which is dedicated to celebrating the music of classical black artists. We worked with dozens of teachers and shared the joy of opera with over 2,600 young people through our in-school Create Your Own Opera program as well as school and library-based opera performances.

In short, the 2017/18 Season encapsulated BLO’s charge to present the full scope of operatic works, from masterpieces of the repertory to the operas of tomorrow, and everything in between. We strive to create theatrical experiences that are timely and resonant for our community at large, as well as to carefully match each opera with a venue that will allow its music and story to take center stage. We also remain committed to finding a long-term home for Boston Lyric Opera, a thriving hub for opera and the arts that will become part of the fabric of our community, and I continue to liaise with arts and business leaders to make this a reality.

We are grateful for the support of those who walk this path alongside us: our generous Board members, our devoted donors, patrons and volunteers, our incredible artists and technicians, and every curious neighbor whom we encounter through our education and community programs. We could not do this without you.

Cover: Elena Stikhina as Tosca.

LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

Esther Nelson | Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director

THE LEADERS OF BOSTON LYRIC OPERA 2017/18 SEASON BOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Michael J. Puzo

ESTHER NELSON Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director, since 2008

DAVID ANGUS Music Director, since 2010

VICE-CHAIR & TREASURER Wayne Davis CLERK Susan W. Jacobs STANFORD CALDERWOOD GENERAL & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Esther Nelson, Ex Officio

Jeffrey E. Marshall Abigail B. Mason Anne M. Morgan A. Neil Pappalardo E. Lee Perry Irving H. Plotkin William Pounds David W. Scudder Susan R. Shapiro Ray Stata Christopher Tadgell Lady Juliet Tadgell

Linda Cabot Black Willa Bodman Miguel de Bragança Alicia Cooney Alan Dynner Robert Eastman Andrew L. Eisenberg, Esq. Thomas D. Gill, Jr. Mimi Hewlett Horace H. Irvine II Amelia Welt Katzen Maria J. Krokidas

BOARD OF OVERSEERS CO-CHAIRS L. Joseph LoDato Samuel Y. Parkinson Lawrence St. Clair James Ackerman Sarah E. Ashby Kimberly E. Balfour Elizabeth Barker Edward Bell Richard M. Burnes, Jr. Ellen Cabot Carol Gram Deane Amos Deinard JoAnne Dickinson Nicholas J. DiMauro Jessica Donohue Catherine Dunn Joseph Glenmullen Amy Hunter William A. Hunter Louise Johnson Ellen Kaplan Stephen T. Kunian Pamela S. Kunkemueller Russell Lopez

Anita Loscalzo M. Lynne Markus Jillian McGrath Jane Pisciottoli Papa Barbara Goodwin Papesch Susanne Potts Carl Rosenberg Carol Rubin Allison K. Ryder Alex Senchak Wendy Shattuck Wayne Szeto Frank Tempesta Richard Trant Amy Tsurumi Lydia Kenton Walsh Robert Walsh Peter J. Wender Tania Zouikin EMERITI Steven P. Akin J.P. Barger Sherif A. Nada

As of June 30, 2018

2017/18 SEASON STAFF OF BOSTON LYRIC OPERA Esther Nelson Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director David Angus Music Director John Conklin Artistic Advisor

JOHN CONKLIN Artistic Advisor, since 2009

EXTERNAL RELATIONS Eileen Nugent Williston Managing Director

ARTISTIC Nicholas G. Russell Director of Artistic Operations Steven Atwater Artistic Manager Zachary Calhoun Artistic Coordinator Julian Killough-Miller Artistic Associate PRODUCTION Anna B. Labykina Production & Technical Director Amanda Robie Production Operations Manager Andrew M. Trego Production Coordinator Alix Strasnick Associate Technical Director Nathan DeMare Master Carpenter Jessica Pfau Master Carpenter Samantha Layco Production Administrative Assistant Julia Noulin-Mérat Associate Producer FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Karen T. Frost Director of Finance and Administration David J. Cullen Accounting Manager Reingard Heller Finance Manager Angela Rowland Senior Accountant Caitlin Hayes Finance & Office Coordinator Lizabeth Malanga Executive Assistant to the Stanford Calderwoord General & Artistic Director

Sarah B. Blume Director of Major Gifts Erin Coffey Associate Director of Major Gifts Cathy Emmons Director of Institutional Gifts Robin Whitney Development and Outreach Manager Narcissa McArthur Development Coordinator Robin Schweikart Database Administrator Jeila Irdmusa Marketing & Communications Manager Todd McNeel Media Coordinator JMK PR Public Relations Andrew J. Moreau Operations Manager & System Administrator Rebecca Kittredge Audience Services Manager Bailey Kerr Patron Services Associate Morgan McKendry Audience Services Associate Lacey Upton Director of Community Engagement Rebecca Kirk Manager of Education Programs Sara O’Brien Events Manager Heather Gallagher Resident Teaching Artist Patricia Au Resident Teaching Artist IRN Internet Services Website Leapfrog Arts Graphic Design

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 | 1

FY18 OPERATING REVENUES

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE: 9%

EARNED REVENUE: 23%

EVENTS: 6% INSTITUTIONS: 8%

FY18 OPERATING EXPENSES

MARKETING & PROMOTION: 14% INDIVIDUALS: 62%

PROGRAMS: 67%

DEVELOPMENT: 10%

BLO ENDOWMENT 13% ANNUAL GROWTH RATE $16

$ IN MILLIONS

$14 $12 $10 $8 $6 $4 $2 $0

2014

2015

LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

TOTAL ENDOWMENT

2 | BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18

2016

2017

2018

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

BLO FINANCIAL SUMMARY FISCAL YEARS 2014 – 2018

OPERATING RESULTS | $ THOUSANDS 2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Operating Revenue

$7,943.2

$8,055.9

$8,443.1

$8,953.6

$8,251.5

Operating Expenses

$7,801.3

$7,994.0

$8,396.4

$8,891.1

$8,222.7

67%

66%

64%

66%

67%

$141.9

$61.9

$46.7

$62.5

$28.9

% Expenses Spent on Programs Surplus

BALANCE SHEET | $ MILLIONS TOTAL ASSETS

$16.2

$20.3

$19.5

$18.8

$20.6

NET ASSETS

$15.1

$19.2

$17.6

$17.3

$19.5

TICKETS SOLD

AVERAGE HOUSE CAPACITY OF RUN

NEW PATRONS

Tosca

4,905

99.6%

788

Burke & Hare

1,777

102.0%

145

Threepenny Opera

3,804

99.5%

507

Trouble in Tahiti and Arias & Barcarolles

2,821

92.8%

298

13,307

98.2%

1,738

Fiscal years ended June 30; source: audited financial statements.

EARNED REVENUE | DETAILS 2017/18 SEASON

GRAND TOTALS

Average house capacity includes complimentary tickets.

The cast of Tosca.

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 | 3

ALL PHOTOS: LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

TOSCA OCT 13 – 22 | EMERSON CUTLER MAJESTIC THEATRE A co-production of Boston Lyric Opera & Opera Omaha Music Giacomo Puccini Libretto Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa Conductor David Stern* Stage Director Crystal Manich Set Designer Julia Noulin-Mérat Costume Designer Deborah Newhall Lighting Designer Paul Hackenmueller Sound Designer Joel T. Morain Fight Director J.T. Turner* Wig & Makeup Designer Jason Allen Surtitle Designer Allison Voth Rehearsal Coach/Accompanist Brett Hodgdon‡ Assistant Stage Directors Kristen Z. Cairns*and Matthew Haney* Stage Manager Hester Warren-Steijn

CAST in order of vocal appearance Angelotti David Cushing‡ Sacristan James Maddalena Cavaradossi Jonathan Burton* Tosca Elena Stikhina* Scarpia Daniel Sutin Spoletta Jon Jurgens‡ Sciarrone Vincent Turregano† Shepherdess Sara Womble†

* BLO Debut † BLO Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artist ‡ BLO Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artist Alumnus From Left: Jonathan Burton as Cavaradossi and Elena Stikhina as Tosca. Craig Colclough as William Hare, Heather Gallagher as Margaret Hare, Michelle Trainor as Helen McDougal, and Jesse Blumberg as William Burke. Christopher Burchett as Macheath (standing, left) and Daniel Belcher as Tiger Brown (standing, right) lead their men in song. Vincent Turregano, Mara Bonde, and Neal Ferreira as the Trio.

4 | BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18

THE NEFARIOUS, IMMORAL BUT HIGHLY PROFITABLE ENTERPRISE OF MR. BURKE & MR. HARE NOV 8 – 12 | THE CYCLORAMA AT THE BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS A World Premiere commissioned by Music-Theatre Group with the support of Boston Lyric Opera Music Julian Grant Libretto Mark Campbell Conductor David Angus Stage Director David Schweizer Set Designer Caleb Wertenbaker Costume Designer Nancy Leary Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel Movement Director Melinda Sullivan* Wig & Makeup Designer Jason Allen Surtitle Designer Allison Voth

Rehearsal Coach/Accompanist Brett Hodgdon‡ Assistant Stage Director Katherine Carter* Stage Manager Cynthia Hennon Marino*

CAST in order of vocal appearance Dr. Robert Knox William Burden* Dr. Ferguson David McFerrin‡ William Burke Jesse Blumberg William Hare Craig Colclough* Helen McDougal Michelle Trainor‡ Margaret Hare Heather Gallagher‡ THE VICTIMS Donald David Cushing‡ Abigail Simpson Marie McLaughlin* James Wilson (“Daft Jamie”) Michael Slattery* Mary Paterson Emma Sorenson† Madge Docherty Antonia Tamer†

THE THREEPENNY OPERA MAR 16 – 25 | HUNTINGTON AVENUE THEATRE A new BLO production

MAY 11 – 20 | DCR STERITI MEMORIAL RINK

Music Kurt Weill Libretto Bertolt Brecht

A new BLO production

Conductor David Angus Stage Director James Darrah* Set Designer Julia Noulin-Mérat Costume Designer Charles Neumann* Lighting Designer Pablo Santiago* Wig & Makeup Designer Jason Allen

Rehearsal Coach/Accompanist Brett Hodgdon‡ Assistant Stage Director Anderson Nunnelly† Stage Manager Becki Smith*

CAST in order of vocal appearance Macheath, known as Mack the Knife Christopher Burchett Mr. Peachum James Maddalena Mrs. Peachum Michelle Trainor‡ Polly Peachum Kelly Kaduce Tiger Brown, Chief of Police Daniel Belcher* Lucy, his Daughter Chelsea Basler‡ THE WHORES Jenny Diver Renée Tatum* Whore Vera Savage‡ Dolly Jaime Korkos* Betty Heather Gallagher‡

Vixen Marie McCarville Old Whore Vanessa Schukis Molly Alisa Cassola

MACHEATH’S GANG Matt of the Mint Jesse Darden† Walt Dreary Andy Papas* Crook Finger Jack David Cushing‡ Ed Ryne Cherry* Jimmy Junior Thomas Oesterling BEGGARS Filch Ryne Cherry | Jesse Darden, Andy Papas, Thomas Oesterling, Vera Savage, Ron Williams, David Cushing A Policeman Ron Williams Policeman Smith Ryne Cherry

TROUBLE IN TAHITI AND ARIAS & BARCAROLLES

Reverend Kimball Vera Savage

Music & Libretto Leonard Bernstein Conductor David Angus Stage Director David Schweizer Set Designer Paul Tate Depoo III* Costume Designer Nancy Leary Lighting Designer Jeff Adelberg* Video Designer Johnny Rogers* Movement Director Melinda Sullivan Surtitle Designer Allison Voth Wig & Makeup Designer Jason Allen Dramaturg John Conklin Rehearsal Coach/Accompanist Brett Hodgdon‡ Assistant Stage Director Cara Consilvio* Stage Manager Hester Warren-Steijn

CAST Sam Marcus DeLoach Dinah Heather Johnson TRIO Mara Bonde | Neal Ferreira‡ | Vincent Turregano†

English translation by Michael Feingold. Original German text based on Elisabeth Hauptmann’s translation of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. This edition of The Threepenny Opera used by arrangement with European American Music Corporation, agent for The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, Inc., and agent for the Brecht heirs.

Trouble in Tahiti performed in the reduction by Bernard Yannotta. “Oif Mayn Khas’neh (At My Wedding)” (from Arias & Barcarolles) performed in a new orchestration by David Angus. The performances presented by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., Sole Agent for Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company LLC, publisher and copyright owner.

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 | 5

BLO 2017/18 CHORUS

BLO 2017/18 ORCHESTRA VIOLIN I Sandra Kott, Concert Master Colin Davis Jodi Hagen Peter Hanly Roksana Sudol Pattison Story Stacey Alden Lena Wong Cynthia Cummings Sasha Callahan VIOLIN II Annie Rabbat Principal Heidi Braun-Hill Tera Gorsett Rohan Gregory Melanie Auclair Fortier Robert Curtis Susan Carrai Maynard Goldman VIOLA Kenneth Stalberg Principal David Feltner Abigail Cross Donna Jerome Don Krishnaswami Jean Haig CELLO Aron Zelkowicz Melanie Dyball Jan Pfeiffer-Rios Steven Laven

BASS Robert Lynam Principal Barry Boettger Kevin Green FLUTE Linda Toote Principal Iva Milch Lisa Hennessy Allison Parramore Roderick Ferland OBOE Nancy Dimock Principal Lynda Jacquin Mary Cicconetti CLARINET Jan Halloran Principal Steven Jackson Karen Heninger BASSOON Elah Grandel Sally Merriman Margaret Phillips Gregory Newton FRENCH HORN Whitacre Hill Dirk Hillyer Josh Michal Iris Rosenstein TRUMPET Bruce Hall Principal Jesse Levine Greg Whitaker Terry Everson

TROMBONE Robert Couture Principal Hans Bohn Alexei Doohovskoy John Faieta Gregory Spiridopoulos CIMBASSO Donald Rankin Principal BANJO/GUITAR/ HAWAIIAN GUITAR/ MANDOLIN William Buonocore TIMPANI Jeffrey Fischer Principal PERCUSSION Richard Flanagan Principal John Tanzer William Manley PIANO/CELESTE/ ORGAN Brett Hodgdon David Angus

BLO CHORUS 2017/18 Michelle Alexander Chorusmaster SOPRANO Alisa Cassola Molly Crookedacre Laura Ethington Kirsten Hart Abigail Krawczynska Marie McCarville Abigail Smith Antonia Tamer Dana Varga Sara Womble ALTO Britt Brown Heather Gallagher Felicia Gavilanes Jaime Korkos Jazimina MacNeil Vera Savage Stephanie Scarcella Vanessa Schukis Sara Beth Shelton Emma Sorenson

TENOR Ethan Bremner Kevin Courtemanche Jesse Darden Frank Levar Chris Maher Thomas Oesterling Fred Van Ness BASS Scott Ballantine Jorgeandres Camargo Ryne Cherry Junhan Choi Jonathan Cole David Cushing Taylor Horner Patrick McNally Andy Papas Ron Williams

ACTORS & SUPERNUMERARIES Tim Daughters Kurt Hakansson Domenico Mastrototaro J.T. Turner Joseph Yonaitis VOICES BOSTON Steven Lipsitt Artistic Director Suvi Carlile Iolanthe Demos Antonia Duffield Georgina Harrington David Hermanson Miles Luther Tia Percheva Charlie Perdue Louisa Rossano Noah Schlondorff Natalie Tulipani Joaquim Viana

ACCORDION Katherine Matasy HARP Ina Zdorovetchi Principal MUSIC LIBRARIAN Kate Ellingson ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER Maynard Goldman

PRODUCTION CREW ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS Julie Marie Langevin Melanie Bacaling

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Bruno Baker Marisa Brink

Bold Name indicates tenured orchestra member

UNIONS VOLUNTEER CORPS Jeannie Ackerman Jose Alberto Sharon Barry Katie Bauer Allyson Bennett Laima Bobelis Lynn Bregman Jane Cammack Susan Cavalieri Caroline Cole Michelle Chen Ann D’Angelo Karla De Greef Marsha dePoo Mary DePoto Frances Driscoll Marian Ead Lee Forgosh Erin Frey Audley Fuller

Linda George Mencken Graham Rachel Hahn James Karg Eva Karger Milling Kinard Esther Lable Daniel Levin Richard Leccese Nancy Lynn Domenico Mastrototaro Terri Mazzuli Patti McGovern Anne McGuire Meg Morton Kameel Nasr Gail Neff Cosmo & Jane Papa Barbara Papesch Jeffrey Penta

Erica Rajkovic Yamel Rizk Nikta Sabouri Elizabeth Sarafian Alexandra Sherman Colin Sherman Barbara Trachtenberg Amy Walba Gerry Weisenberg Kenneth Westhassel Beverly Wiggins Debra Wiess Alfred Williams Lynn Williams Sybil Williams

6 | BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18

The Artists and Stage Managers employed on these productions are members of the American Guild of Musical Artists. All musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

The scenic, costume, and lighting designers are members of United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Stagehands are represented by Local #11 of IATSE. Boston Lyric Opera is a member of OPERA America, the national service organization for opera in the U.S. and Canada.

NEW WORKS & EMERGING ARTISTS:

SHAPING OPERA IN THE 21ST CENTURY

LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA JANE AND STEVEN AKIN EMERGING ARTISTS

The cast of Burke & Hare.

NEW WORKS INITIATIVE In the 2009/10 Season, BLO launched Opera Annex, a series that explores rarely-performed repertoire and builds curiosity for the art form through immersive, unique opera-going experiences. Today, BLO’s New Works Initiative has grown out of Opera Annex, and is dedicated to the development and support of new and developing pieces of opera-theatre from today’s leading composers, librettists, and artists. This Season marked a milestone for the Company: BLO’s first full-length World Premiere, The Nefarious, Immoral but Highly Profitable Enterprise of Mr. Burke & Mr. Hare, which earned a 2018 International Opera Award Nomination for Best World Premiere.

BLO recognizes that the next generation of opera stars needs to be nurtured in order to flourish, and that the future of the art form depends on their success. BLO has proudly expanded the opportunities we provide to Emerging Artists to include role and audition preparation with BLO’s Music Director, David Angus, and BLO coaches; career guidance from Esther Nelson, the Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director, and other leaders in the field; paid performance opportunities at BLO events; and much more.

2017/18 EMERGING ARTISTS

TIMELINE OF BLO COMMISSIONS 1987 | BLO produced the first entirely computer-assisted opera ever, entitled Countdown.

Antonia Tamer Soprano

Sara Womble Soprano

Emma Sorenson Mezzo-Soprano

Jesse Darden Tenor

Vincent Turregano Baritone

Anderson Nunnelley Director

1988 | BLO developed and presented portions of The Wife of Martin Guerre, with music by Roger Ames and libretto by Laura Harrington, at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; the work developed further and eventually premiered as a musical at the Hartford Stage in CT. 1992 | BLO and Boston Music Theatre Project collaborated to present scenes from Elmer Gantry, by Robert Aldridge and Herschel Garfein.

The work eventually premiered in full at Nashville Opera in 2007.

2011 | Richard Beaudoin’s prologue The After Image was created in response to—and staged in conjunction with—Viktor Ullmann and Peter Kein’s The Emperor of Atlantis.

2013 | James MacMillan’s acclaimed work Clemency, co-commissioned along with The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Scottish Opera, and Britten Sinfonia, premiered at BLO, and was later released on the BIS label.

2013 | BLO commissioned a chamber version of Jack Beeson’s 1965 opera, Lizzie Borden.

2017 | BLO staged its first full-length World Premiere: The Nefarious, Immoral but Highly Profitable Enterprise of Mr. Burke & Mr. Hare by Julian Grant and Mark Campbell, commissioned by Music-Theatre Group with the support of BLO. 2018 | The Company’s first full-length solo commission will have its World Premiere in November: Schoenberg in Hollywood by Tod Machover and Simon Robson, based on a scenario by Braham Murray.

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 | 7

2017/18

BRINGING OPERA TO SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGHOUT GREATER BOSTON ALL PHOTOS: LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

The mission of BLO’s Community Engagement department is to provide equitable access to quality arts experiences in the field of opera to its community. BLO accomplishes this goal by offering programs, events, and initiatives designed to appeal to multiple levels of opera and arts knowledge, to stimulate a variety of learning and engagement styles, and to connect with a broad range of ages, cultural heritages and identities, and socioeconomic levels. Our core value is that opera is for everyone.

YOUTH & EDUCATION PROGRAMS CREATE YOUR OWN OPERA PARTNERSHIP | 15 World Premiere original classroom operas were created this year in 10 schools across the greater Boston area—bringing 644 students into the process of writing, composing, and performing original works.

HANSEL AND GRETEL | Nearly 2,000 students were introduced to opera by BLO artists who presented an experiential, abridged version of Humperdinck’s classic fairytale opera at schools and public libraries.

EDUCATOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | BLO held its 7TH annual week-long Teacher Professional Development Intensive in August 2017. This year, we launched a unique practicum that involved students from VOICES Boston in afternoon sessions, giving educators an immediate opportunity to apply their new skills with youth participants.

UNIQUE & CUSTOMIZED PARTNERSHIPS | BLO completed its third year of partnership with Boston Arts Academy Vocal Music Department, supporting students through direct service lessons by BLO Teaching Artists, as well as opportunities to engage in BLO’s professional rehearsal, production, and performance process.

VOICES BOSTON | BLO Education expanded its partnership with the children’s choir VOICES Boston, co-producing two weekend workshops for middle school and high school youth.

Left, top: Third grade students from Jackson-Mann K-8 School in Allston perform their original opera, Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan based on the children’s book by Jeanette Winter. Center: Fourth grade students from Joseph Lee K-8 School in Dorchester perform an original version of the Snow White tale, entitled Snow Black. Bottom: Third grade students from Jackson-Mann perform an original opera based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

8 | BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

BY THE NUMBERS • 8,717 Community members, students, and educators were engaged in community events and programming throughout the 2017/18—an increase from our 2016/17 40th Anniversary Season!

• 1,693 High school and university students

requested FREE passes to Final Dress Rehearsals of BLO productions.

• 135 Teaching hours were delivered in Boston-area classrooms by BLO teaching artists.

LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

• 644 Students participated in an opera creation

process—representing a growth of 67% compared to 2016/17.

COMMUNITY & ADULT PROGRAMS SIGNATURE SERIES | BLO’s thought-provoking Signature Series explored the intersection of visual arts, film, drama, literature, and opera through partnership events with the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Athenæum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and Brandeis University.

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY | A cornerstone of its community programming, BLO held two Opera Nights at the BPL, focusing on the works in our Season. BLO also joined the BPL’s popular Concerts in the Courtyard summer series, and partnered with the BPL system to host three concerts in collaboration with Castle of our Skins (below).

TODD McNEEL

CASTLE OF OUR SKINS | BLO piloted a new partnership with Castle of our Skins, a concert and educational series dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music. Through our collaboration, Crossing the Line to Freedom: A Musical Narrative, 444 audience members in 3 Boston neighborhoods celebrated critical stories in black history through music and spoken word.

CODA MAGAZINE AND DRAMATURGY | The Community Engagement department takes the lead in researching, developing, writing, and engaging freelance experts on a range of operatic topics for articles in print and online, including the BLO Blog, “In the Wings,” Student Study Guides, and our twice-yearly magazine, Coda.

LIZA VOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

Right, top: Trouble in Tahiti Trio members Vincent Turregano and Mara Bonde engage in an audience talkback led by Lacey Upton, Director of Community Engagement. Center: Actor Adobuere Ebiama performs in Crossing the Line to Freedom at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. Bottom: Soprano Sara Womble portrays the 19th-century icon Jenny Lind, while actor Will LeBow as P.T. Barnum looks on, at a BLO Signature Series event at the Museum of Fine Arts.

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 | 9

ABOVE SUMMIT PHOTOGRAPHY

BUILDING OPERA’S AUDIENCES OF TOMORROW For an opera company to thrive over the course of four decades, being in tune with ongoing trends and the constantly changing digital landscape is crucial. Boston Lyric Opera has established itself as a lead player in the space where the opera world and the digital world collide.

HYPE TEAM The Company has a strong and growing Tweet Seat campaign, that generated national coverage including The Wall Street Journal, in which invited theatergoers are encouraged to live tweet during dress rehearsals. BLO has since opened up this initiative to Facebook and Instagram users, allowing selected guests to take and post photos during dress rehearsals.

Thus, the formerly named Tweet Squad rebranded to Hype Team and includes more social media platforms.

PRIMA

T. CHARLES ERICKSON

PRIMA is BLO’s social community for young professional arts enthusiasts. PRIMA Members receive unique opportunities to get closer to opera, such as prime seating, educational opportunities, and social invitations.

PRIMA patrons also receive special pricing for tickets, subscriptions, and Opening Night After Parties.

Above: The 2017 PRIMA After Party Committee.

Left: BLO’s Tweet Squad becomes the Hype Team.

10 | BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18

DONOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We are honored to recognize our donors who generously support the mission of Boston Lyric Opera to build curiosity, enthusiasm, and support for opera by creating musically and theatrically compelling productions, events, and educational resources for our community and beyond. We are deeply grateful for the following contributions made to BLO between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.

• FRIENDS OF BLO | The largest community of supporters of Boston Lyric Opera. Members enjoy exclusive opportunities to explore opera and engage with others who share their passion through benefits such as invitations to Deconstructing Opera Salons, backstage tours, final dress rehearsals and more.

• ORFEO SOCIETY | Members gain behind-the-scenes access to BLO Artists and Creative Team members, while providing direct support to bring opera to our stages and communities.

• THE GOLDOVSKY SOCIETY | Membership is given in recognition of those who have made a provision in a will, living trust, deferred gift plan, or retirement plan that will benefit BLO. For more information or to become a member, please call Sarah B. Blume at 617.542.4912 x2280.

Wendy Shattuck & Sam Plimpton* Mr. & Mrs. Ray Stata* Miss Wallace Minot Leonard Foundation

CRESCENDO ($100,000+) Anonymous (2) Jane & Steven Akin Linda Cabot Black*§ Willa & Taylor Bodman*† Wayne Davis & Ann Merrifield*† Jody & Tom Gill*† Jane & Jeffrey Marshall* The Montrone Family Mr. & Mrs. E. Lee Perry*† William & Helen Pounds*† David & Marie Louise Scudder*†§

VIVACE ($50,000 - $99,999) Timothy Blodgett Nonnie & Rick Burnes*† Gerard & Sherryl Cohen Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP Alicia Cooney*§ Miguel & Suki de Bragança*

ALLEGRO ($10,000 - $24,999) Anonymous Boston Foundation Mrs. Edmund Cabot Ms. Ellen Cabot* Mr. & Mrs. Timothy & Jessica Donohue* Ms. Catherine Dunn* Lawrence & Atsuko Fish Mr. Kenneth Freed Horace H. Irvine II*§ Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Johnson Ellen & Robert Kaplan*†§ Ms. Amelia Katzen*† Joe & Pam LoDato*§ Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Anita Loscalzo* MEDITECH Esther Nelson & Bernd Ulken OPERA America John & Susanne Potts* Allison K. Ryder & David B. Jones* Schwab Charitable Fund Larry & Beverly St. Clair* State Street Corporation Susan A. Babson Opera Fund for Emerging Artists Gregory E. Moore & Wynne W. Szeto* Lady Juliet & Dr. Christopher Tadgell* John H. Deknatel & Carol M. Taylor Peter Wender*§ Lynn Dale & Frank Wisneski Ms. Tania Zouikin*§

ADAGIO ($5,000 - $9,999) Anonymous (2) Sam & Nancy Altschuler The Amphion Foundation Sarah E. Ashby* Ms. Kimberly E. Balfour* Be Our Guest, Inc. Ms. Ann Beha & Mr. Robert A. Radloff The Bell Family, in memory of Dr. Peggy Bell* Carolyn Bitetti & T. Christopher Donnelly BPS Arts Expansion Fund at EdVestors Ms. Jane Carr & Mr. Andrew Hertig Corning Incorporated Foundation Dr. Amos Deinard* Mr. Eijmberts & Mr. Tinga Kathryn G. Freed§, in memory of Dean & Patti Freed Lise Olney & Tim Fulham Dr. Alfred Goldberg & Dr. Joan Goldberg Nick & Marjorie Greville Kathy & Ron Groves Graham & Ann Gund Harold Alfond Foundation Emily C. Hood Amy Hunter & Steven Maguire*§ William A. Hunter & Barbara Brodlee Hunter* Ms. Louise Johnson* Stephen Kunian* Drs. Lynne & Sidney Levitsky Karen Levy Andrew Sherman & Russ Lopez*§ Ms. M. Lynne Markus*§

Susan W. Jacobs*† Pamela S. Kunkemueller*§ Abigail B. Mason*§ Mattina R. Proctor Foundation Mr. & Mrs. A. Neil Pappalardo* Mr. & Mrs. Michael Puzo*†§ PRESTO ($25,000 - $49,999) Anonymous (2) Katie & Paul Buttenwieser Cabot Family Charitable Trust Alan & Lisa Dynner*§

Judith K. Marquis & Keith F. Nelson Jillian C. McGrath* Karen E. McShane, MD Mr. & Mrs. John O’Brien Mr. & Mrs. Richard Olney III Barbara Goodwin Papesch* Dr. Kurt D. Gress & Mr. Samuel Y. Parkinson* Suzanne & Peter Read§ Stephen & Geraldine Ricci Mr. Carl Rosenberg* Ms. Carol Rubin* Rumena & Alex Senchak* Mr. Jan Steenbrugge & Ms. Young-Shin Choi Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tempesta* Mr. Richard Trant* Sandra A. Urie & Frank F. Herron Jeannie Ackerman Curhan & Joseph C. Williams GRAZIOSO ($3,000 - $4,999) Anonymous Advanced Lighting and Production Services, Inc. Michael Barza & Judith Robinson Drs. Susan E. Bennett & Gerald B. Pier Ronald & Ellen Brown Mr. Arthur Buckland Nancy & Laury Coolidge Dr. Nicholas J. DiMauro* Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Ron Feinstein

Robert & Susan‡ Eastman*†§ Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Karen Johansen & Gardner Hendrie Mimi Hewlett*§ Mr. & Mrs. Amos B. Hostetter, Jr. Maria Krokidas & Bruce Bullen* Massachusetts Cultural Council Anne M. Morgan*† National Endowment for the Arts Janet & Irv Plotkin*† Susan & Dennis Shapiro* Dr. Robert Walsh & Lydia Kenton Walsh*

Mr. & Mrs. Dozier Gardner Mr. Joseph Hammer Mr. & Mrs. Morton Hoffman Dr. Kathleen Hull & Ernest Jacob Dr. Maydee G. Lande, in memory of her father Mr. Louis Lévy, In memory of Joce Ledeuil* Richard & Nadine Lindzen MAX Ultimate Food Shari & Christopher Noe D. Cosmo & Jane P. Papa* Dr. & Mrs. John William Poduska, Sr. William & Lia Poorvu Melinda & James Rabb Deborah Rose & Dr. Noel Rose Dr. Jordan S. Ruboy Charitable Fund‡§ Dr. & Mrs. R. Michael Scott Mr. & Mrs. Jeremiah Shafir David Shukis & Susan Blair Lise & Myles Striar Tee Taggart & Jack Turner Mr. Thaemert & Mr. Gokey Ms. Amy Tsurumi* UBS Financial Services, Inc. Tanya & David Virnelli PRODUCER ($1,500 - $2,999) Anonymous Alliance Bernstein Matching Gift Program Anchor Capital Advisors John & Molly Beard Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation, Inc.

BG Events & Catering Mr. & Mrs. Kenyon C. Bolton III Boston Cultural Council Ms. Kathleen Boyce Mr. & Mrs. John Cabot Judge & Mrs. Levin H. Campbell Marjorie B. & Martin Cohn Ms. Jennifer Eckert Andrew L. Eisenberg* Dr. David Golan & Dr. Laura Green Mark Kritzman & Elizabeth Gorman Mrs. Charles Hood Doris & Howard Hunter Mr. & Mrs. C. Bruce Johnstone, in honor of Steve & Jane Akin Eva R. Karger§ Mr. Edward J. Leary† Mallory Portraits Mary & Sherif Nada§ Mr. Carl R. Nold & Ms. Vicky Kruckeberg Robert & Carolyn Osteen Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Perkins, Jr. Max & Meredith Russell Mr. & Mrs. Lionel Spiro State Street Foundation Mr. John Whittlesey PARTNER ($500 - $1,499) Anonymous (3) A.V. Presentations, Inc. Abby Lane Patricia Arroyo, PhD Mr. Richard L. Babson Mr. & Mrs. Dana Bartholomew Benefit Cosmetics Mr. Clark Bernard Leonard & Jane Bernstein MK Bertelli Ms. Petrina Biondo Ms. Sophie Cabot Black Dr. Paul Bleicher & Dr. Julia Greenstein Dorothy & Hale Bradt Ed & Amy Brakeman Peter Braun & Diane Katzenberg Braun John & Irene Briedis Pam & Lee Bromberg Thomas Burger & Andree Robert Samuel & Claire Cabot Timothy & Sara Cabot Susan Cavalieri, in memory of Eurydice Cavalieri Ms. Mei Po Cheung Rachel & Thomas Claflin Ms. Nina Cohen Mr. Eugene Cox Rita Cuker Gene & Lloyd Dahmen Mr. Terry O. Decima Janice Mancini Del Sesto§, in memory of Susan D. Eastman Mr. James DeVeer Mr. Lawrence M. Devito Laura Dike & Vaughn Miller Fleur Events RADM & Mrs. S. David Frost Mr. Edward N. Gadsby Mrs. G. Peabody Gardner, in honor of Mr. & Mrs. E Lee Perry

GE Foundation Mr. Clayton Geiger Lucretia Giese Mr. Walter Gilbert Dr. & Mrs. William E. Goldberg Paul Golden Mark Goodman & Jennifer Cope Goodman Google, Inc. Ms. Sandra Steele & Mr. Paul Greenfield Mr. Stephen Grubaugh & Ms. Carol McGeehan Anne & Neil Harper Ms. Bette Ann Harris Mr. & Mrs. John Henn† Dr. Robert Henry Mr. Joseph M. Herlihy Arthur & Eloise Hodges David Hoffman & Deborah Friedman Robert & Stephanie Hood Mr. Henry B. Hoover, Jr. Fred Hoppin Mr. Ted & the Rev. Canon Cynthia P. Hubbard Mr. Stanley Keller Mr. John Michael Kennedy Milling Kinard Dr. David Korn & Carol Scheman Ms. Yuriko Kuwabara & Dr. Sunny Dzik Pam Lassiter Mr. & Mrs. Boardman Lloyd Tod Machover & June Kinoshita Peter Madsen Mr. Joseph Mari Mr. Domenico Mastrototaro§ Dr. Edward McCall Mary & Michael McConnell Kate Meany Ms. Virginia Meany Ms. Amy Merrill Ms. Jo Frances Meyer Mr. Adam G. Neilly Melissa & David Norton Prof. Suzanne P. Ogden Jack Osgood§ Finley & Patricia Perry Pamela E. Pinsky Memorial at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation Mr. & Mrs. James Post Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Ute Prevost Dr. & Mrs. Edward Roberts Simon Rosenthal & Nouri Newman Sebastian’s JoAnne & Joel Shapiro Lisa G. Shaw Sayre Sheldon Ms. Elizabeth Sluder South Shore Conservatory Mr. John Stevens & Ms. Virginia McIntyre Ms. Beth Sullivan Susan A. & Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation Ms. Roberta Sydney & Mr. Jordan Rich Mr. Andrew Szentgyorgyi Edward H. Tate II Diane C. Tillotson Michael Tomich Dr. Ed Tronick

Mrs. Wat Tyler Mr. Konstantin Tyurin & Ms. Kirstin Ilse Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Walter H. Weld Leonce Welt Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Winthrop Ms. Mary Wolfson Mr. David Wood Mr. & Ms. Douglas Woodlock Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wulff Dr. Ioannis Yannas CONTRIBUTOR ($250 - $499) Anonymous (3) Above Summit Mr. William Aikman Mr. Peter Ambler & Ms. Lindsay Miller Mr. Bernard Aserkoff Marc & Carol Bard Mr. John Barstow & Ms. Eugenia Ware Dr. & Mrs. Martin Becker John Belchers The Benevity Community Impact Fund Ms. Andrea Benoit & Mr. Michael Parsons Nina & Donald Berk Ms. Elizabeth Bjorkman Ms. Christine Bradt Mr. Nick Breitstein Ms. Sally T. Brewster Mr. Robert G. Briggs Ms. Katherine Cain Ms. Mary Chamberlain Ms. Elisabeth Clark Cary Coen, in honor of Gerry & Sherri Cohen Paul Cravedi, in memory of Anna Cravedi James F. Crowley, Jr. Mr. Paul Curtis Ms. Deborah Black Davis Mr. Mark Donohoe Ms. Catharine-Mary Donovan Willis & Zach Durant-Emmons Bill & Susan Elsbree Mr. Martin Elvis Andrew & Karen Epstein Mr. Bruce Feibel Mr. & Mrs. Glenn L. Fencer Mr. William Fregosi Sarah Gallivan & Gopal Kadagathur Mr. James Glazier Dr. Philip L. Goldsmith & Melissa Boshco Dr. Donald Peter Goldstein Pamela & Alan Goodman Laurie Gould & Stephen Ansolabehere Hair Sessions Inc. Sylvia Hammer Mr. & Mrs. James J. Harper Mr. John Hauser Ms. Leni Herzog Mr. C. Anthony Broh & Ms. Jennifer Hochschild Mr. Thomas Hotaling Investment Technology Group Elizabeth V. Foote & Howell E. Jackson Ms. Ann Johnson Leslie Kaelbling Robert Kauffman & Susan Porter Thomas & Cynthia Kazior

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Klivans Mr. Ricardo Lewitus Ms. Kristine Maultsby & Mr. Keith Long Professor Deidre Lynch Prof. Lucy D. Manuelian Dr. Nicholas & Mrs. Charlotte Mastroianni Mr. Arthur Mattuck James & Caroline McCloy Mr. & Mrs. Kilmer McCully Margaret McDormand, in memory of Anna Elizabeth McDormand Ms. Karen Metcalf Mr. Scott Minick, in honor of Karen Frost Ms. Anne Morris Dr. Carol Nadelson Curiosity Foundation Ms. Rebecca Nemser Ms. Clare Nosowitz & Mr. Damien Valentine Mr. William Pananos PEAK Event Services Eric & Jane Philippi Enid Ricardo Quiñones & Wendy Blackfield Quiñones Mr. Jack Reynolds Barbara Robinson, in honor of Horace Irvine, II Mark & Lori Roux John & Ruth Schey Mrs. Richard Schmidt Stephen & Peg Senturia Varda & Dr. Israel Shaked Dr. George L. Sigalos Mr. Richard W. Smith Mr. Harold Stahler Mr. & Ms. Matthew Stewart Mr. Ronald Stoia Ms. Joan Suit Marcos & Faith Szydlo John & Mary Tarvin Ms. Ann Teixeira Ernst & Toinette ter Haar Ms. Antra Thrasher Amy & Matthew Torrey Linda & Harvey Weiner Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Weinstein Mr. Jerry Wheelock & Elizabeth Wood Mr. Stephen Wohler Anne Wooliever Albert & Judith Zabin SUPPORTER ($100 - $249) Anonymous (15) Mr. Ernest Acheson, Jr. Mrs. Daryl B. Adams, in memory of Susan D. Eastman Alice Adler & Edward Ginsberg Susan Alexander & Jim Gammill Mrs. Betty Allen Donald A. Antonioli & Robert H. Goepfert Henry & Diana Asher Joseph & Janet Aucoin Ms. Kay Barned-Smith Paula Jacobs & Howard Beale Dr. & Mrs. Robert M. Beazley Dr. & Mrs. Allen Berliner Beverly Flight Center Dr. & Mrs. Stuart R. Bless

Mrs. Cynthia Bradley Ms. Janet Buecker Cabot Performing Arts Center Mr. Mark Campbell Mr. Claude Canizares Derek Chilvers Dr. Sung Choi Ms. Catherine Clancy Mr. Thomas Cooper Mr. Donald Coppock Mr. Robert Coren & Mr. John W. Gintell Ms. Janice Corkin Rudolf & Mr. John Emery Mr. Nicholas Danforth Dave Poutre Fine Framing Mr. William DeWitt Robert Doane Ms. Janice A. Dolan Ms. Claire Dondis Mr. John Douhan Ms. Joanne A. Dreher Mrs. Dana Dumezich, in memory of Susan D. Eastman Mr. Michael Egholm Eugene Galleries Exclusive Jewels Gallery Mr. Martin Fantozzi Mr. Lloyd Fillion Mr. George Flesh Michael S. Flier & David E. Trueblood Katherine & Richard Floyd Mr. Benjamin Forkner, in honor of Thomas D. Gill, Jr. Ms. Constance Franciosi Mr. Walter Freiberg Mrs. Ann Marie Fretts Mrs. Laurena Gatlin Mr. David Gaynor Janet & David Giele Ruth Golden Ms. Elizabeth Goodfellow Frank & Willie Gorke, in memory of Susan D. Eastman Edward Gross & Margaret Reid Ms. Joan P. Gulovsen

Newell & Betty Hale Fund of Greater Worcester Mr. Daniel Halston Ms. Christine G. Hannon Dr. & Mrs. Bernhard Heersink Pauline Ho Bynum Marc & Madeleine Holzer Dr. Chi-Ting Huang Ms. Janet Hunkel Mr. David N. Hunt, PhD Mr. Emil Iantchev Akira Iriye Ms. Janet Jankowiak Prof. & Mrs. John Joannopoulos Mr. Erik Johnson Elinore C. Kagan & Herbert M. Kagan Anne & Charles Kelly Ms. Anne Kelly The Kitchen At Boston Public Market Jonathan & Deborah Kolb Mr. William Kruger Mr. Robert Kruszyna, in memory of Harriet G. Kruszyna Dr. & Mrs. John Kubert Dr. & Mrs. Ira Lable Mr. William B. LaFrance Terry & Jonathan Lane Mr. Thomas Lawrence Ken & Lisa Lewis, in memory of Susan D. Eastman Ms. Judy Lieberman Laurence & Maryel Locke Mr. Merrill Mack Quinn MacKenzie Barbara P. Madden Mr. Charles Maier Mr. Kenneth Maillar Peter & Gail Marcus Judy Mason Ms. Edith Mathiowitz, in honor of Joseph Suzin Ms. Deena Matowik Ms. Janet McAllister Ms. Evelyn McFadden Ms. Patricia McGovern

Sylvia & Ralph Memolo Mr. Frederick Meyer Mr. Stephan Miller Ms. Dolores Mitchell Alec & Donna Morgan Daniel & Mayo Morgan Ms. Linda Morgan Dr. Phyllis Moriarty Mr. Michael F. Murphy Ms. Eileen Murray Ms. Mary Mutschler Mr. Fred Nagle Mr. Raymond Nied Bill Nigreen & Kathleen McDermott Nancy Nitikman Ms. Diane Ota Dr. Eileen Ouellette Ouimillie Mr. Eugene Papa Mr. Mark Pasternack & Ms. Judy Meyers Patricia Patricelli Ms. Marie Pereto-Hedin Mr. & Mrs. Roy & Jean Perkinson Mr. Paul Phillipps Ms. Elana & Daniel Pierkowski John & Elaine Pisciottoli Mr. Gene Pokorny Ms. Deborah A. Poppel Anne & Francois Poulet Thomas & Elena Powers Ms. Emerzette J. Rand Mr. & Mrs. Tom Rapoport Mr. John Reed Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Remington Malcolm & Mona Roberts, in honor of Clara H. Jones S. Robertson, in memory of Jim Condon Mr. Allan Rodgers Sherry & William Rogers Family Fund of the Essex County Community Foundation Daniel Romanow & Andrew Zelermyer Ms. Patricia Rosenblatt Ms. B. Jean Rosiello Beth Roussel

Mr. & Mrs. Pasquale Rullo, in memory of Carmine Rullo Ms. Renee Sack Mr. Frank Santangelo Rob Saper & Ruth Paris, in memory of Eileen L. Saper Ms. Diane Savarese Mr. Michael Schaefer Ms. Amy Schenkein Peter Schmidt Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Schneider Robin Schweikart Mr. Peter Schweizer Ms. Catherine Scott Stephen A. Sheldahl, in memory of Susan D. Eastman Michael Skatrud Mr. Steve Smith Mr. Joel Stein R. S. Steinberg Mr. Scott Stewart Mr. Paul F. Stiga Caroline & Alan Strout Mr. Frederick G. Tilley Robert & Sarah Toole Mr. & Mrs. David Trevvett Twentieth Century Ms. Martha Ulken Andrea Urban Janet & Henry Vaillant Mr. Robert Volante Leslie Warshaw Ms. Denise Wernikoff Mr. Throop Wilder & Ms. Deborah Weisgall Mrs. Barbara Wolfenden Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Wright Elizabeth Wylde & Lance Drane Ms. Isabel C. Yoder

Board Member Lyric Circle Member Goldovsky Society Member Deceased

* † § ‡

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT DURING THE 2017/18 SEASON. INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS Boston Lyric Opera’s programs are funded, in part, by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA OVERVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 | 13

PRAISE FOR THE 2017/18 SEASON TOSCA | “A sold-out, well-sung, and boisterously received performance…one of the most robust

BLO opening nights I can recall.…The gifted young Russian soprano Elena Stikhina’s voice has unusual allure…a combination of glow and penetration, lightness and strength, at times floating above the orchestra, at times slicing through it.” | BOSTON GLOBE

BURKE & HARE | “Boston Lyric Opera’s most inventive and beautifully constructed new work

in years….A large dramatic score…a witty, thoughtful libretto [with] a fascinating narrative and scathing lyrics…David Angus’s excellent chamber orchestra projected many beautiful motives and melodies that slowly deconstruct, dissolve, and float apart.” | BOSTON MUSICAL INTELLIGENCER

THE THREEPENNY OPERA | “An excellent cast of young, singing actors who brought off to perfection the music, the dialogue and the comedy.” | EDGE BOSTON

TROUBLE IN TAHITI and ARIAS & BARCAROLLES | “Breathtakingly fabulous!…

A smashing environment including all the supper club accoutrements one could possibly have anticipated.

The singers are nothing short of spectacular…easily up to the demands of Bernstein’s intricate musicianship… It just simply doesn’t get any better than this.” | SOUTH SHORE CRITIC

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: CASTLE OF OUR SKINS | “All of the performers rose to the occasion, but the cast of female performers stole the scene with their authentic, lyrical and informational expressions of truth. The music...had been meticulously researched...[the] narrative was powerful, simple, and poignant.” | THE BLACK COMPOSER SPEAKS | FACEBOOK

ON TWITTER | “Once again @BOSTLYRICOPERA pushes the boundaries of

exciting and new opera installations—embracing new partnerships, new technology, and being really intentional about meaningful community outreach and accessibility.” | JACKIEZ GONZALEZ | @MMM_JACKIEZ