Boston Lyric Opera

🎭 Celebrating Oscar Hammerstein II's Birthday! 🎶 Today marks the birthday of Broadway legend Oscar Hammerstein II who was born on this day in 1895. Born into a theatrical family, "Ockie" initially pursued law at Columbia before fate led him to theater and his famed collaboration with Richard Rodgers. From The Sound of Music to Carousel, his words have touched hearts for generations, and this season you'll get to experience Hammerstein's genius firsthand! This April 2025, BLO presents a dazzling 80th anniversary production of Carousel at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Starring Brandie Sutton, Edward Nelson, Jamie Barton, Anya Matanovič and conducted by David Angus, this timeless tale will transport you to a world of romance, drama, and redemption. Don't miss this enchanting journey through one of Broadway's finest! 🎟️ Get tickets: blo.org/carousel #musicals #boston #opera #musicals Photo by Zinn Arthur 

Nominations for the 2024 International Opera Awards are now open. Help us nominate BLO's Madama Butterfly in the New Production category! Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/eXykwb-5 Nominations close on Jul 31, 2024, with shortlists announced in August. Founded in 2012, the International Opera Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in opera around the world. The aims of the Awards are to raise the profile of opera as an art form, to recognize and reward success in opera, and to generate funds to provide bursaries for aspiring talent in opera from around the world. Over the last six years, the International Opera Awards has raised funds for the Opera Awards Foundation to support bursaries for almost 100 aspiring artists, including singers, directors, conductors, répétiteurs, and accompanists. Judging of the International Opera Awards is carried out by a jury of industry professionals headed by Opera editor John Allison.

🎂 Today we honor the birthday of Mattiwilda Dobbs, born July 11, 1925, in Atlanta, Georgia. A coloratura soprano of exceptional talent and unwavering principles, Dobbs shattered racial barriers in the world of opera. Dobbs made history in 1953 as the first African American woman to perform a principal role at La Scala in Milan. She continued breaking ground, becoming the first African American in a major role at the San Francisco Opera in 1955 and the third African American principal singer at the Metropolitan Opera in 1956. Remarkably, Dobbs refused to perform before segregated audiences, even in her hometown of Atlanta. It wasn't until 1962 that she finally made her Atlanta debut, singing for an integrated audience at the Municipal Auditorium. Her talent was matched only by her integrity, paving the way for future generations of artists of color. Today, we celebrate Mattiwilda Dobbs' legacy of musical excellence and social progress. #opera #BlackExcellence #pioneer #legend #integrity 

Opera lovers, mark your calendars! "Die tote Stadt" is coming to Symphony Hall! 🎉 🎼 Music: Erich Wolfgang Korngold ✍️ Libretto: Paul Schott 💔 A collaboration between Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Lyric Opera, "Die tote Stadt" is a tale of love and loss that explores the haunting struggle with grief — a theme that resonated deeply in the hearts of its first audiences, who had recently lived through WWI. 📆 Dates: Jan 30, 2025 | 7:30 PM and Feb 1, 2025 | 8:00 PM 📍 Venue: Symphony Hall 🎶 Soprano Christine Goerke leads a cast that includes BLO Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artist alumnus tenor Neal Ferreira, as well as baritone Elliot Madore, who recently appeared in BLO’s production of Matthew Aucoin’s "Eurydice." Andris Nelsons conducts. https://lnkd.in/eMTjWE9K Don't miss this tender masterpiece from the twilight of the Romantic era! 🌅

Happy Fourth of July from BLO! 🎵🇺🇸 We are constantly evolving as a nation. This Independence Day, let's recognize that we are a work in progress, honor those who shape our country in ways both large and small, and make space to listen as we seek to (re)build trust within and across our communities. BLO Offices are closed on July 4th & 5th in observance of the holiday. Have a safe and memorable Fourth of July! #independenceday #fourthofjuly

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path for your barbecue playlist, we’ve got you covered! #opera #music #operasinger #independenceday

Mark you calendars for BLO's next two free Street Stage performances! ⚓ Street Stage at Charlestown Navy Yard  Saturday, August 3, 3:30-5:30 PM ☀️ Street Stage at Moakley Park Summer Nights  presented in partnership with Boston Harbor Now  Wednesday, August 7, 5:30-7:30 PM Street Stage is supported by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the City of Boston through the Neighborhood and Downtown Activation Grant. The 2024 Street Stage season is sponsored by HarborOne Bank.  Learn more at blo.org/events

The lyre and poetry world tour!

📮 Happy National U.S. Postage Stamp Day! The United States government post office first issued adhesive postage stamps to the value of five and ten cents on July 1, 1847. Fun fact: The USPS has honored several opera legends on stamps, including: ◾Rosa Ponselle ◾Lily Pons ◾Marian Anderson ◾Richard Tucker ◾Lawrence Tibbett ◾John McCormack These tiny works of art celebrate some of the big voices that shaped American music. 🎶 Images from The Smithsonian Institution - National Postal Museum

📽️ Do you remember your first opera experience? MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF OPERA LOVERS This year, over 2,100 people attended BLO's 2023/24 Final Dress Rehearsals. For many attendees, it's their first experience with opera. Hear what they said about their experience! Help us inspire the next generation of opera lovers by making a gift to BLO in support of free access to BLO's programs and performances Make a gift: blo.org/donate https://lnkd.in/eGYqCJvS