BLO Presents ‘Must the Winter Come So Soon?’ at the Boston Public Library

Special to the Transcript

The Boston Public Library and Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) are joining forces to present a special Opera Night titled “Must the Winter Come So Soon?” on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The free event, which welcomes all audiences—no prior opera experience necessary—aims to bring warmth, light, and connection to the cold winter season through music. The concert and conversation will be held in the Rabb Lecture Hall at the Boston Public Library Central Branch (700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116).

Program Highlights

The program will feature the moving and expressive music of 20th-century American composer Samuel Barber, celebrating music’s power to transform difficult emotion into beauty. The evening will also honor Boston’s legacy as a hub for revolutionary American artistry and musical innovation.

Featured performances will include:

Excerpts from Barber’s opera Vanessa.

Luminous art songs.

A string quartet performance.

An engaging audience Q&A.

The featured artists include:

• Josie Larsen (soprano)

• Mary Kray (mezzo-soprano)

• Brendon Shapiro (pianist)

• String Quartet: Sarah Atwood (violin), Hikaru Yonezaki (violin), David Feltner (viola), and Melanie Dyball (cello) While registration is welcome, it is not required to attend this free public event. You can register online at https://tinyurl.com/ING-BPLOpera.