Annual Fund

Investing in Boston Lyric Opera is a great way to learn more about the "backstage" operation of a world-class opera company. As an Annual Fund donor, you may have the opportunity to enhance your opera experience with admission to Dress Rehearsals, exclusive invitations to meet the cast or special behind-the-scenes tours of our productions. For more information, contact Heather Laplante, Annual Fund Manager, at 617.542.4912 x230 or donorservices@blo.org.

The donor benefits you receive include those in your giving circle and all of the benefits listed in the previous circles. Each benefit is offered with sincere appreciation of your generous support.

FRIEND CIRCLE ($100-$249)

  • Free subscription to OPERA America’s e-newsletter, NewsLink – your resource for the latest news in opera from around the country.
  • An exclusive annual list of suggested recordings and books tailored specifically for you by BLO’s Director of Artistic Operations, Nicholas G. Russell, and Artistic Advisor, John Conklin.

Cosmo and Jane Papa go on stage with BLO’s production staff for a closer look at the L’elisir d’amore ice cream truck during a backstage tour.

ARIA CIRCLE ($250-$499)

  • Your acknowledgment as an important contributor in BLO’s Playbills and Annual Report during the 2009-2010 Season.

DUET CIRCLE ($500-$999)

  • Two tickets to one Signature Series lecture of your choice.
  • Two VIP passes to a final Dress Rehearsal of your choice.
  • Limited edition BLO 2009-2010 Season poster.

IMPRESARIO CIRCLE ($1,000-$1,499)

  • Access to the Dress Circle Services Hotline – personalized service for all your ticketing needs and the best seats in the house.

DRESS CIRCLE ($1,500-$2,499)

  • Opportunity to purchase two Dress Circle subscriptions.*
  • Invitations to Open Rehearsal Nights – a private reception followed by the ultimate behind-the-scenes look into a closed working rehearsal.
  • Private pre-performance backstage tour of the Citi Shubert Theatre.
  • Two VIP Dress Rehearsal passes for the entire season.
  • Two tickets to one Signature Series lecture of your choice, includes admission to the post-lecture reception.

PATRON CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999)

  • Exclusive Season Announcements and Welcome Packet.
  • Limited edition BLO 2009-2010 Season poster signed by artists.
  • Invitations to attend the closed Final Piano Run-Through Rehearsal.

The Abduction from the Seraglio’s Amanda Pabyan enjoys Opening Night festivities with her sponsors Susan and Robert Eastman.

ENCORE CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999)

  • Invitation to attend BLO’s annual production for schoolchildren.
  • Additional Season VIP Passes to Final Dress Rehearsals.


BENEFACTORS’ CIRCLE ($10,000-$24,999)

  • Exclusive invitations to “Addio” Receptions with the cast.
  • Opportunities to co-sponsor a mainstage artist, conductor or director.
  • VIP seating at all BLO Community Events. Enjoy front row seating at events like the Signature Series, Boston Landmarks Orchestra Concert and Opera Night at the Boston Public Library. (Subject to availability, some events require tickets to be purchased in advance.)

GENERAL DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($25,000-$49,999)

  • Invitation to a closed Sitzprobe (first musical rehearsal with both cast and orchestra).
  • Exclusive invitation to attend closed Dress Rehearsals.
  • Opportunities to sponsor a principal artist, ensemble or production element.

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ($50,000-$149,999) and
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE ($150,000 and over)

  • Customized benefit packages are created for our donors in the President’s and Chairman’s Circles. For further information, please contact Sarah Blume, Senior Major Gifts Officer, at 617.542.4912 x228 or sblume@blo.org.

* Subscription seating in the Dress Circle (Orchestra Center rows C through L) is an exclusive benefit for donors making contributions of $750 or more per subscription seat. For more information, please call the Dress Circle Services Hotline at 617.542-4912 x251.

Audited financial statements and copies of BLO tax returns are available upon request.