We need to listen: Conversations that matter

We Need to Listen

Racism exists in all industries, including classical music and opera. If we are to fight it everywhere, we have to start fighting it somewhere.

In Boston Lyric Opera’s new three-part series, We Need to Listen: Conversations that Matter with Celeste Headlee, the award-winning journalist, author, public media anchor and classically trained singer leads lively and insightful discussions with opera and music industry leaders, as well as rising and established stars. Whether you’re part of the live Zoom audience or stream it on-demand at operabox.tv, join us to hear how we can make the art form we love more equitable, diverse, and accountable.

Have feedback? Questions for the company? We want to hear from you.

Celeste Headlee

Award-winning journalist, professional speaker and author of We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter, Celeste Headlee, released her latest book, Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving, in March 2020. Celeste is a globally-recognized journalist and expert in conversation and communication, and a regular guest host on NPR and American Public Media. She is also a highly sought consultant, advising companies around the world on conversations about race, diversity and inclusion. Her TEDx Talk, sharing 10 ways to have a better conversation has more than 23 million total views to date. She serves as an advisory board member for ProCon.org and the Listen First Project. She received the 2019 Media Changemaker Award.

Award-winning journalist, professional speaker and author of We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter, Celeste Headlee

Panelists for Part Three: Audience

Philippa P.B. Hughes

Tammy L. Kernodle

Anh Le

Terrance McKnight

Panelists for Part Two: Repertoire

Naomi André

Isaiah Jackson

Nkeiru Okoye

Panelists for Part One: Pipeline

Alexa Smith

Miguel A. Rodríguez

Zakiyyah Sutton