Boston Lyric Opera Gala-2010

The Boston Lyric Opera opened its 2010-2011 season with a festive gala at the Mandarin Oriental on Saturday evening, the 16th.  The event was called A Roman Affair and the theme was carried out through skits, decorations, performances and dress.  John Conklin, internationally acclaimed set designer and Artistic Advisor to BLO, created the program, which featured some of the brightest vocal talents of BLO's 2010-2011 Season, including Chad A. Johnson as Nero, Kevin Burdette as Baron Scarpia, Jill Gardner as Floria Tosca, T. Steven Smith as Bottom, The Weaver and Caroline Worra as Agrippina.

The dinner was exquisite both in taste and presentation:

    Tuscan Bread Selection and Sugar Rolled Grapes
     Stuzzichino (Amuse-bouche).....Imperial Scallop Crudo, dressed with fennel pollen and limoncello vinaigrette
     Antipasto............Roasted Pear Throne surrounded by a Court of Wild Arugula Salad accompanied by Walnuts, Fresh Figs, Prosciutto Slivers and Pecorino Shavings, dressed with a pancetta vinaigrette
      Plato Principale...Pesto Rubbed Filet of Beef from the Outer Grasslands of the Empire on a Chariot of Golden Pomodoro and braised Fennel Caponata, dressed with a 21 year-old balsamic drizzle
      Dolce.......Emperor Nero's Birthday Zuccotto covered in Premium 70% Chocolate and Maraschino Liquor, accompanied by candied limes and oranges, dressed with a chantilly sauce
       Cappuccino, Espresso, Coffee and Tea Service

Emperor Nero (Chad A. Johnson)
    

Floria Tosca (Jill Gardner) performed between courses.

Nero's Birthday Cake

Diana

Mary