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Grant announcements!
To kick off this month’s newsletter: some good news about state funding we’ve recently received! BOF always aims to demonstrate the #PowerOfCulture here in the Berkshires, so we are especially proud to be the recipient of two Mass Cultural Council (MCC) grants this year. We have been awarded a Cultural Sector Recovery Grant, the state's latest and final pandemic-related funding initiative, as well as a FY23 Festivals & Projects Grant, in support of last season's "High on the Ramparts: A Spotlight on Music of Black Composers." This free community concert at the Berkshire Museum featured renowned soprano Kearstin Piper Brown and acclaimed tenor Joshua Blue.
Michael J. Bobbitt, the Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, on why organizations like BOF receive support: “Community festivals, local arts programming, and creative projects are essential to celebrating, understanding, and sharing our vibrant cultural assets across Massachusetts. I am thrilled to support these creative initiatives and look forward to participating in many of them and encourage all residents and visitors to engage in these events and activities as they take place in communities near you.”

BOF Executive Director Abigail Rollins, attended the Western MA stop of MCC's statewide grant celebrations on Friday, March 31 at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. "I'm so grateful to MCC for their support of BOF this year," she said. "I was delighted and honored to gather with colleagues and elected officials to celebrate the power of culture here in the Commonwealth. I wish to express a special thanks to all those elected officials who took the time to discuss their tireless advocacy work at the statehouse on behalf of the entire Berkshires arts and culture community."
Our upcoming April 16 concert, "To Paris with Love," has been getting some great press recently. See below for a selection of preview articles.

BERKSHIRE EAGLE
"To Paris with Love" celebrates the city's inspirational impact on artists
Subscribers can read the full article HERE

BERKSHIRE EDGE
How does BOF do it?
See the article HERE

LAKEVILLE JOURNAL
La Vie de Berkshires Bohème
See the article HERE
Don't miss "To Paris with Love" this Sunday
— get your tickets now!
SPRING CONCERT

Sunday, April 16, 2 PM

at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, MA
TICKETS
Paris has inspired more artists to loftier heights of creativity than perhaps any other city. From Puccini to Massenet to Strauss, several of the world's greatest composers set their most memorable operas in the City of Light.  Join BOF Artistic Director and Co-Founder Brian Garman on a tour through this wonderful repertoire with some of opera's up-and-coming stars.

The afternoon concert will feature soprano Amanda Batista, who Opera News has said "is destined for big theaters"; tenor Ryan Capozzo, who Opera News says is “generating genuine drama” on the stage; baritone Yazid Gray, who Seen and Heard International described as "a vocal chameleon"; and pianist Francesco Barfoed, a rising Danish star who frequently collaborates with singers and has twice won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions.
Amanda Batista
Ryan Capozzo
Yazid Gray
Francesco Barfoed
Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now available for our Season Kickoff and Fundraiser. Click below to find out more.
SEASON KICKOFF AND FUNDRAISER

Sunday, June 11, 5 PM

at Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, MA
MORE INFO
Please join fellow BOF friends and supporters for this special Season Kickoff and Fundraiser. Guests will be treated to a delicious three-course meal, live and silent auctions, and musical selections by special guest artist Teresa Perrotta and BOF’s very own Maestro Brian Garman. Event proceeds will support BOF’s 2023 season mainstage production of Puccini’s timeless tale of love and loss, La Bohème.
Season Sponsors
Support World-Class, Locally-Produced Opera in the Berkshires
Donate Now
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Credits: Kearstin Piper Brown and Joshua Blue in "High on the Ramparts". Photo: Max Vadakin.

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Berkshire Opera Festival, · 54 Wendell Avenue Suite 5, · Pittsfield, MA 01201-6312 · USA