Elisa Sunshine ’15 MM and Neil Ferreira ’05 MM to Star in Die tote Stadt with the BSO

Published on January 23, 2025

Alumni Elisa Sunshine ’15 MM and Neil Ferreira ’05 MM will take center stage in the Boston Lyric Opera’s production of Erich Korngold’s Die tote Stadt, running January 30 to February 1, 2025, at Symphony Hall. Presented in collaboration with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this production brings Korngold’s lush, late-Romantic masterpiece to life, exploring themes of love, memory, and loss.

Elisa Sunshine, known for her “vocal sparkle and theatrical charisma” (San Francisco Chronicle), will perform the role of Juliette. A rising star in the opera world, Elisa has captivated audiences with her versatility, appearing in roles like the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, Musetta in La bohème, and Annina in La Traviata. She recently earned third place in The Dallas Opera’s National Vocal Competition and represented the U.S. in the prestigious Queen Sonja Singing Competition. Elisa’s career also includes innovative work in contemporary opera, such as creating the role of Selena in Jake Heggie’s If I Were You and collaborating on premieres with Boston’s vibrant arts scene. 

Neil Ferreira, described as a “Boston mainstay” by The Boston Globe, will portray Gaston. Celebrated for his rich tone and commanding stage presence, Neil is a frequent performer with the Boston Lyric Opera and Boston Symphony Orchestra. Recent highlights include roles in Philip Glass’s In the Penal Colony, Rhiannon Giddens’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar, and his European debut in Joseph Summer’s Hamlet. An NEC graduate with Academic Honors, Neil excelled in roles like Tamino in The Magic Flute during his studies and has since become a sought-after interpreter of both traditional and contemporary opera. In addition to performing, Neil serves as an Assistant Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music, furthering his impact on the next generation of artists.

To find out more about this performance, please visit here.