Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy, the Artistic Director of Commonwealth Lyric Theater, arrived in Boston in 1999 to pursue advanced degrees in opera, first at the Longy School of Music and later at Boston University’s Opera Institute.  All the while, he said, “I was dreaming about my own opera company. I was thinking of making a company which will bring together a lot of enthusiastic people, different levels of professionalism. And to show the world, especially here in America, some Russian opera masterpieces which no one performs here.”

 

Mr. Prokhorov-Tolstoy's dream came true in 2011, when he and Executive Director, Olga Lisovskaya, had founded Commonwealth Lyric Theater.  Since then, Commonwealth Lyric Theater has brought to Boston audiences, rarely performed gems of Russian and Slavic repertoire.  They also fulfilled their dream of productions that have familial, communal feel, bringing in musicians of widely varying ages and skill levels.  It is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to creating high-quality classical music performances and to giving opportunity for artists with local and international carriers to bring joy and beauty to Boston audiences.

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The cast includes veteran singers, friends of Prokhorov-Tolstoy from both Russia and the United States as well as internationally known opera stars from Metropolitan Opera, LaScala, and other major opera theaters.

Commonwealth Lyric Theater also includes a Young Artist Program, Academy of Vocal Arts. .  Mr. Prokhorov-Tolstoy's vocal students, between the ages of 6 and 18, are given an an opportunity to perform on the big stage with international stars in all of his productions.

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“We are trying to make an opera community, a family,” Mr. Prokhorov-Tolstoy said.  “That’s what Commonwealth Lyric Theater is.”