The Boston Lyric Opera celebrated its 30th anniversary last Friday with a concert starring some of opera’s finest talents at The Wang Center for the Performing Arts. Complemented by an opening cocktail reception and post-concert dinner party in the theater’s Grand Lobby, the anniversary was an evening of elegance and support of a timeless art form.
The stage setting included a majestic night sky with sporadic stars and a chandelier in the center. The attractive decor, from the actual set to the tremendous (and beautifully gowned) talent, was complemented by an audience dressed to reflect the elegance of the evening. Dapper gentlemen in tuxedos and women in formal attire gathered to enjoy the evening.
The centerpiece of the evening was the concert, which included performances by soprano Lisa Daltirus, mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey, tenor Michael Hayes, baritone Earle Patriarco and bass Morris Robinson. The renowned Maestro Willie Anthony Waters conducted the artists, orchestra and chorus. Instead of performing a single full-length opera, the excellent cast sang a dynamic program comprised of operatic favorites from Aida, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, La Boheme, Otello and Faust.
Earle Patriarco’s rendition of “Largo al factotum” from Il barbiere di Siviglia (Figaro) was one of the highlights of the show. The audience laughed as the baritone brought comic energy to his character without detracting from his strong technical performance.
The wide range of selections allowed for both humorous and serious moments. While Patriarco’s and Lindsey’s performances provoked laughter, Daltirus and Hayes had the audience mesmerized at the longing and agony they expressed in their numbers from Aida. The concert closed with the finale from Aida, a phenomenal duet with Daltrius as Aida and Hayes as Radames that brought the audience to tears. As their characters were buried alive in a tomb, Daltirus’ powerful sound evoked a true understanding of her character’s fateful end. The audience showed its appreciation with three standing ovations.
After, select members of the audience (mostly sponsors of the performance center and of BLO) joined cast members for a post-concert celebration, highlighted by creative DJ remixes of operatic songs, plus champagne and dessert. The BLO’s season opener set a high standard for the coming months by producing an artistically excellent production with a diverse repertoire. The ability to entertain and inspire audiences is ever present in the BLO’s efforts to engage and educate the community through opera.