The MassOpera Party 2025

Date & Time: Friday, March 7th 2024
VIP Reception | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Moonshine Room
Main Event | 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM | Moonshine Room

Ticket Cost:
$150.00 – VIP Reception (includes 2 drink tickets & hors d’oeuvres)
$75.00 – Main Event (includes hors d’oeuvres & cash bar)

Venue: Club Café, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

Featured Singers & Emcee: Performances by cast members from upcoming production of Alcina. Special guest performance by Ai חיים Ra, and our Event Emcee, renowned Drag Queen, Landa Plenty.

Silent Auction: You can peruse performances, wine and liquor baskets, restaurant gift cards, as well as some really unique and special items! There is truly something for everyone!

* Please note: even if you have purchased tickets to The MassOpera Party, you will still need to register your credit card separately on the auction page to bid on items. Additionally, you do not have to purchase tickets OR attend The MassOpera Party to participate in the Silent Auction.

THE MASSOPERA PARTY 2025

The MassOpera Party returns to Club Café! Join fellow board, staff, artists, audiences, and donors who support MassOpera for a celebration of music and gathering as a community. There will be a teaser performance from our upcoming production of Handel’s Alcina. Our emcee for the evening will be renowned Drag Queen, Landa Plenty.

What can you expect from this event?!

VIP Reception | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres
2 drink tickets (beer, wine, or cocktail)
The chance to mingle with our performers, board members, staff, and supporters
An array of silent auction items, including: theatre tickets, restaurants, hotels, & spas
Complimentary entrance to the Main Event

Main Event | 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres
Cash bar (beer, wine, or cocktails)
An array of silent auction items, including: theatre tickets, restaurants, hotels, & spas
Select musical performances from members of the cast of Alcina
Presentation of the Action Bearing Award to one of MassOpera’s biggest supporters, and the presentation of the MassOpera Award to one of our biggest collaborators
A gender-bent performance by a returning special guest

TICKETS

EVENT EMCEE & SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMER

Landa Plenty

Drag Artist & Emcee

Bio

Landa Plenty is a vibrant and celebrated drag queen artist known for her dazzling performances, bold fashion, and unapologetic self-expression. As a performer, Landa brings a unique blend of glamour, humor, and artistry to the stage, captivating audiences with her larger-than-life persona and powerful presence. Her drag style often incorporates intricate costumes, dramatic makeup, and a commanding stage presence, making her a standout in the drag community.

Landa’s performances are more than just entertainment; they are a celebration of identity and self-expression. She uses her platform to challenge societal norms around gender and beauty, embracing fluidity and encouraging others to live authentically. As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, Landa Plenty also uses her art to raise awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, infusing her shows with messages of empowerment and pride.

Beyond the stage, Landa Plenty is a fixture in the drag community, hosting events, participating in charity work, and mentoring up-and-coming performers. She has earned a reputation not only for her artistry but also for her dedication to supporting the next generation of drag artists and fostering a sense of community.

With her talent, charisma, and commitment to advocacy, Landa Plenty has cemented her place as an influential figure in the world of drag, inspiring fans and fellow performers alike with her fearless approach to life and art.

Ai חיים Ra (they/them/theirs)

Tenor

Bio

Originally from Hollywood, Florida, Ai Chaim Ra has burst onto the New York City classical music scene recently with Teatro Nuovo, St. Pete Opera, and more performing leading roles in opera, operetta, and straight plays. Ever the advocate of new music, in the 2022-2023 season Ai performed The Bishop of Puebla in the East Coast Premiere of Juana by Carla Lucero and Ensemble in the premiere of Lori Laitman’s Uncovered. He is happy to return to MassOpera. Ai debuted with Seagle Music Festival summer 2024, singing Roméo (Roméo et Juliette) and with Teatro Nuovo last summer. He looks forward to more exciting debuts in 2025. Ai is a proud graduate of the Florida State University, UMKC, and Northeastern University.

SINGERS FROM ALCINA & MUSIC DIRECTOR

Kayla Kovacs (she/her/hers)

Alcina

Bio

Kayla Kovacs is a passionate young soprano based in Boston, and just has finished her Master’s and a postgraduate degree at the Boston Conservatory studying under Dr. Rebecca Folsom. Her most recent opera performances include Fiordiligi in Cosí fan tutte and Alma Winemiller in Summer and Smoke by Lee Hoiby—both directed by David Gatley at Boston Conservatory Opera—as well as Cltyie in the world premiere of Haunted Palace by Sophie Carpenter. In the Spring of 2025, Kayla also created an immersive recital program about her experience as someone with Synesthesia. As a neurodivergent individual herself, she advocates for greater accessibility and inclusivity in classical music, striving to create more space for neurodiversity in opera, and in the classical music community.

Chihiro Asano (she/her/hers)

Ruggiero

Bio

Chihiro Asano is a mezzo-soprano based in Boston and is originally from Japan. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy (2022) and a Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance (2023) from the New England Conservatory.In 2023, Chihiro was recognized as a Puerto Rico District Winner in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, Chihiro’s artistic endeavors illuminated her exceptional talent as an interpreter of new music. Her performances were marked by the premieres of several cross-disciplinary new operas and original compositions, showcasing her versatility and artistry on stage. Notable roles include Shizue (Portland Opera) and Naomi in the living room (Boston Opera Collaborative). Additionally, Chihiro participated in the prestigious Marlboro Music Festival in 2024.

Julian Gau

Music Director & Pianist

Bio

Julian Gau is a conductor and pianist based in Boston. He studied orchestral conducting with Bruce Hangen at the Boston Conservatory and music and mathematics at Brown University. Julian serves as artistic director of the Horizon Ensemble, the Chinese Ensemble of New York and the Providence Medical Orchestra, as well as a Conducting Fellow with the Chelsea Symphony. Last season, he served as music director of Cabaret at Brown University, The Card Game & The Coffee Cantata at West End Lyric, and the children’s opera Katie the Strongest of the Strong with Opera Saratoga. He recently served as coach and assistant conductor for Don Giovanni with Boston Summer Opera and Is This America with White Snake Projects. Besides music, Julian loves books, noodles, and friends.

VENUE

CLUB CAFÉ | 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116.

If using public transportation, it is best to use the Orange line to Back Bay/South End, or the Green Line to Copley Sq. or Arlington St.

If driving there is limited metered parking on Columbus Avenue and the surrounding streets. For a close parking garage:

Clarendon Street Garage – $12 after 5 PM (0.2 miles away)