Bass Morris Robinson has performed with many of the world’s leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Teatro alla Scala, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival. Also a prolific concert singer, Robinson has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra; and at the BBC Proms and the Ravinia, Mostly Mozart, Tanglewood, Cincinnati May, Verbier, and Aspen festivals. He also appeared at Carnegie Hall as part of Jessye Norman’s HONOR! Festival. In recital, he has been presented by Spivey Hall in Atlanta, the Savannah Music Festival, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Robinson’s first album, Going Home, was released by Decca. He is also a featured artist on the LA Philharmonic’s recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, which won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. An Atlanta native, Robinson is a graduate of The Citadel and is an alumnus of the Metropolitan Lindemann Young Artists Program. He is currently artistic advisor to the Cincinnati Opera.
Robinson stars as Ramfis in Verdi’s Aida, as part of the Boston Lyric Opera 2024–2025 season.
Morris Robinson is presented as part of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Opera Innovators Series in partnership with the Boston Lyric Opera.
Program InformationRepertoire
KEVIN PUTS: “J’ai perdu ta photo” from Silent Night
Alec House-Baillargeon, baritone*
Nicolas Giusti, piano
GAETANO DONIZETTI: “Par le rang et l’opulence” from La fille du régiment
Isabella Abbrescia, soprano*
Nicolas Giusti, piano
CARL MARIA VON WEBER: “Schweig, schweig—damit dich niemand warnt!” from Der Freischutz
Devon Russo, bass-baritone^
Nicolas Giusti, piano
GAETANO DONIZETTI: “Bella si come un angelo” from Don Pasquale
Jason Edelstein, baritone*
Nicolas Giusti, piano
GIOACHINO ROSSINI: “La del ciel nell’arcano profondo” from La Cenerentola
Zizhao Wang, bass-baritone^
Nicolas Giusti, piano
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: “Ah, fuggi il traditor!” from Don Giovanni
Alternate: Rebecca Matte, soprano*
Nicolas Giusti, piano
* Boston Conservatory student
^ Boston Lyric Opera Steven and Jane Akin Emerging Artist
Welcome
We are thrilled to welcome you to this season’s Opera Innovators Series, a unique collaboration between Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Boston Lyric Opera (BLO). This partnership, which began in the fall of 2022, embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of opera and providing unparalleled opportunities for the next generation of vocal artists. By bringing together Boston Conservatory’s rich legacy of innovation in education and BLO’s artistic excellence and forward-thinking approach to opera, we are crafting a space where young artists can learn, grow, and thrive in an evolving art form. This season’s series features an extraordinary lineup of artists whose voices and vision are reshaping the world of opera. Their participation is not just about showcasing talent—it’s about sparking dialogue, challenging norms, and inspiring all of us to think differently about the art we love.Lawrence Brownlee is celebrated not only as one of the world’s leading tenors but also as a dedicated advocate for new music and diverse storytelling in opera. His artistry brings light to underrepresented voices and redefines what’s possible on stage, reminding us that opera can speak powerfully to our times. His residency is made possible through his engagement as the title role in Mitridate this season at BLO.Morris Robinson stands as a towering figure in opera, known for his deeply resonant bass and commanding presence. Beyond his stunning performances, Robinson’s work in community engagement and mentorship exemplifies how artists can use their craft to connect and uplift others, making his involvement in this series particularly meaningful. His residency is made possible through his engagement as Ramfis in Aida this season at BLO.Wendy Bryn Harmer, an alum of Boston Conservatory, embodies the spirit of our community. Her career has been marked by fearless performances in some of the world’s most demanding roles, and her return to our series as a mentor and performer is a testament to the lasting impact of our training and the power of perseverance in the arts.Anthony Roth Costanzo challenges traditional boundaries with his innovative approach to the countertenor repertoire. Whether through his groundbreaking productions or his advocacy for new works, Costanzo exemplifies how opera can be both a celebration of tradition and a bold leap into the future. His residency is made possible through his engagement as coconceiver and his role as Poet in the world premiere of The Seasons at BLO this spring.Jamie Barton is a force of nature whose voice and advocacy resonate far beyond the stage. Known for her rich mezzo-soprano and commitment to social causes, Barton brings authenticity and heart to her performances that inspire both audiences and young artists alike. Her role in our series highlights the profound ways in which music can champion change. Her residency is made possible through her engagement as Nettie Fowler in Carousel this season at BLO.Through the Opera Innovators Series, our partnership with BLO creates a dynamic platform for young artists to learn from these incredible performers and thought leaders. Together, we are nurturing a new generation of singers who are not only exceptional artists but also engaged citizens and innovators.Thank you for joining us this season. Your support makes these opportunities possible, and we hope that each event leaves you feeling inspired and connected to the vibrant future of opera. We look forward to welcoming you back often.Warm regards,Isai Jess MuñozInterim Dean of Music, Boston Conservatory at BerkleeCo-Artistic Director, Opera Innovators SeriesNina Yoshida NelsonArtistic Director, Boston Lyric OperaCo-Artistic Director, Opera Innovators Series About the Artists
Morris Robinson, bass, has performed with many of the world’s leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Teatro alla Scala, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival. Also a prolific concert singer, Robinson has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra; and at the BBC Proms and the Ravinia, Mostly Mozart, Tanglewood, Cincinnati May, Verbier, and Aspen festivals. He also appeared at Carnegie Hall as part of Jessye Norman’s HONOR! Festival. In recital, he has been presented by Spivey Hall in Atlanta, the Savannah Music Festival, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Robinson’s first album, Going Home, was released by Decca. He is also a featured artist on the LA Philharmonic’s recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, which won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. An Atlanta native, Robinson is a graduate of The Citadel and is an alumnus of the Metropolitan Lindemann Young Artists Program. He is currently artistic advisor to the Cincinnati Opera.
Robinson stars as Ramfis in Verdi’s Aida, as part of the Boston Lyric Opera 2024–2025 season.
About the Series
Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Opera Innovators Series engages today's most innovative leaders in the field of opera and art song to present master classes, panel discussions, Q&As, and more to Boston Conservatory students and members of Boston Lyric Opera's Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artists. This series is made possible in partnership with Boston Lyric Opera—
learn more.Concert Services Staff
Senior Manager of Concert Services – Luis Herrera
Coordinator, Concert Services – Matthew Carey
Concert Production Manager – Kendall Floyd
Performance Technology Technicians – Sara Pagiaro, Goran Daskalov
Boston Conservatory thanks audience members for viewing this program information online. This paperless program saved 130 sheets of paper, 14 gallons of water, and 12 pounds of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.
