Our Mission

Boston Summer Opera is joyfully building a summertime operatic hub for musicians and audiences alike, filling a unique space in the Commonwealth’s musical landscape. We are committed to producing high-quality performances that uplift local emerging artists while making opera accessible, engaging, and community-centered. Our mission is to celebrate Boston’s flourishing musical community, foster deep engagement with diverse audiences, and ensure that opera can be enjoyed by everyone in the city year-round, barrier-free.

We are run by young artists for young artists.

Our Values

  • The heart of Boston Summer Opera is a vibrant, welcoming community of young artists who lift one another up both on and off stage. We believe that this sense of belonging is what allows great art to flourish.

  • We view collaboration as essential to artistic and personal growth. Boston Summer Opera encourages our artists to explore new aspects of their creativity, both onstage and behind the scenes. Every voice, from cast to crew, is valued and contributes meaningfully to our shared success.

  • We recognize the opera industry’s long history of inequity and actively work to change it. We avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes and reimagine classics in ways that reflect the values and diversity of today’s world. We work to build safe and affirming spaces, where LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists and audience members alike feel welcomed and supported. For us, inclusivity means fostering belonging, encouragement, and mutual respect at every level of our organization.

  • We break down barriers that prevent both artists and audiences from engaging with opera. Our performances are affordable or free, rehearsals are educational and supportive, and our young artists never pay to participate. We provide valuable opportunities for young artists to gain vital performance experience, professional training, and mentorship, while giving audiences the chance to experience opera in approachable, welcoming spaces.

  • We perform the greatest works of the operatic canon at the highest possible caliber. Boston Summer Opera strives to help all creative participants be the best version of themselves, on and off stage. As our artists grow as musicians, they grow as people.

We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier.

EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive 100% free admission to all Boston Summer Opera events, whether you get your ticket(s) online or in person. This includes mainstage opera performances and all concerts. We do not require photo IDS, nor do we require EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cards to receive this discount. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts. 

Testimonials

  • “As a young artist, it can be incredibly difficult to find high-quality opera performance opportunities that don't require you to pay exorbitant fees, travel out of state/country, or spend an entire month (or more) away from your home and family. Boston Summer Opera successfully fills that niche. Through BSO, I was able to learn, be coached on, and perform a new role (with professional orchestra!!) all without having to pay the thousands of dollars that most summer programs would charge.”

    — Boston Summer Opera artist

  • "I had the valuable opportunity to cover a leading role and got several individual coachings on the role as well!

    ... It was such a rewarding experience and I felt really valued, which doesn't always happen as a young artist understudying a role! It was inspiring to collaborate with so many talented, local colleagues, and it made me excited to stay in Boston and continue growing both as an artist and in arts administration.

    — Boston Summer Opera artist

  • “It was a safe space to get creative and silly. I feel a real effort was made to recognize the work of every cast member big and small, and to make as many opportunities for people of all different backgrounds in music to be highlighted as possible.

    … it was awesome to get to be a part of this production with professionals and learn from them.”

    — Boston Summer Opera artist

  • “Fantastic and uplifting performance. To see young opera singers pull that full length opera together at such a high level with such few resources was nothing short of inspiring! Keep it up.”

    — Audience member

  • “Loved the performance and location. Not going into Boston is a bonus! Venue was great. Such a talented cast in person is a joy!”

    — Audience member

  • “Love that the translation was available, that really helped!”

    — Audience member