Tonight, we are in one of Boston’s most iconic locations to hear live music, watch compelling drama, and enjoy being together. Opera is bringing together a community, and we’re glad to welcome you here.
This production of Gounod’s Romeo & Juliet marks the start of our 46th Season and our return to the Boston Common after 20 years. I cannot imagine a better way to open the season than by enjoying a summer evening with you.
Our bold interpretation of this classic tale of star-crossed lovers, told under a starry New England sky and created in partnership with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) -- with support from the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and Boston Parks and Recreation -- brings the legacy of this 19th century opera into a modern context.
What excites me most about this production is how our collaboration with CSC combines the distinctive strengths of our two organizations to produce a vibrant, unique performance for our city. What you see on stage tonight demonstrates the creative collaborative potential of the performing arts in Boston and the importance of coming together as a community.
More programs like this are on the way. BLO recently completed a strategic plan, including a new mission statement that centers on expanding our programming and strengthening our community. The plan calls on us to focus more on being a good neighbor, building on public programs like this one tonight, and inviting more people into the creation of our work.
Keep in touch with us at BLO.org for updates on our strategic work and all we have in store this Season. I welcome you to our work enthusiastically and encourage you to share your feedback along the way.
Thank you for being here with us – in fair “Boston,” where we lay our scene tonight!
- Bradley Vernatter, Acting Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director