We loved celebrating two wonderful weekends of Opera on the Prado in Boston’s historic North End! On October 10th and 17th, NEMPAC brought the beauty and excitement of live music to the Prado (Paul Revere Mall), welcoming neighbors, visitors, and music lovers to enjoy free outdoor performances in one of the city’s most iconic settings.
In celebration of NEMPAC’s 25th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s programs explored the many voices, cultures, and musical traditions that have shaped our community and our country. Through opera, musical theater, folk songs, and more, these two concerts offered a vibrant musical journey celebrating America’s diverse stories and the rich cultural heritage of Boston’s North End.
Our October 10 concert celebrated Immigrant Stories and Voices, reflecting on the many journeys and traditions that have contributed to America’s identity. Audiences enjoyed a diverse program spanning classical opera, Spanish-language repertoire, contemporary American song, and beloved musical theater favorites. Highlights included music by Florence Price, Leonard Bernstein, and Giuseppe Verdi, alongside selections from West Side Story and other works that explored hope, belonging, and the American experience.
The celebration continued on October 17 with Voices of the North End, a program honoring the Italian, Jewish, and Irish musical traditions woven into the neighborhood’s history. From beloved Italian opera arias, including selections from La Traviata and La Bohème, to Jewish operetta and musical theater, the afternoon celebrated the many cultural influences that make the North End so special. Traditional Irish favorites, including “Danny Boy” and “The Sally Gardens,” added another meaningful layer to this musical tribute to the neighborhood’s diverse heritage.
Both concerts featured an exceptional lineup of Boston-based artists, with sopranos Larisa Bainton-Hernandez and Jessica Bloch-Moisand, tenors David Rivera-Bozón and Nathan Snyder, and pianists Julian Gau and Maria Rabbia, bringing each program to life. We are incredibly grateful to these talented performers for sharing their artistry and helping make both weekends so memorable. We also extend our thanks to Artistic Director Hannah Shanefield for helping bring these special performances to the community.
A signature NEMPAC community tradition, Opera on the Prado makes live music accessible to everyone, transforming a beloved public space into an open-air stage where people can gather, discover new favorites, and enjoy the power of music together. We are so grateful to everyone who stopped by, listened, and celebrated with us!
Thank you for joining us for these two special weekends. We look forward to bringing the community together again soon for more music and celebration. Stay tuned for details in early November about NEMPAC’s upcoming Holiday Concert!
