At a press conference today Opera Boston General Director Carole Charnow announced the company’s first-ever commissioned work in its 2009/2010 season with the world premiere of Madame White Snake, a new opera based on a beloved ancient Chinese legend, by composer Zhou Long and librettist Cerise Lim Jacobs.

Opera Boston announces its 2007-08 season, to be presented at the Cutler Majestic Theatre: Golijov's Ainadamar, Handel's Semele, and Verdi's Ernani. Principals include three internationally-renowned sopranos: Dawn Upshaw and Lisa Saffer in their company debuts, and the return of Barbara Quintiliani in her third starring role with the company.