Michael J. Bolton is a nationally respected opera and classical music administrator, celebrated for his creative programming, fundraising expertise, and engaging outreach. He has dedicated his entire professional life to music, including over two decades at Opera Philadelphia—16 years as Vice President of Community Initiatives—where he dramatically expanded the company’s education and community programs, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people and adults.

While at Opera Philadelphia, Mike co-founded the T-VOCE (Teen Voices of the City Ensemble) choir, a collaborative, inclusive youth choral program that now thrives under the leadership of Singing City. Mike also organized more than 80 “Random Acts of Culture” throughout the city for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, including a legendary 650-voice performance of Handel’s Hallelujah chorus with Peter Conte on the Wanamaker Organ. The video of the event has garnered more than 12 million views on YouTube. He also co-founded the T-VOCE youth choir

Most recently, Mike served as Executive Director of the International Friends of Festival Verdi, in partnership with Italy’s Teatro Regio di Parma. He continues to share his love of music as a host on Philadelphia’s WRTI 90.1 FM every Saturday morning and as the voice of The Phoenix Symphony’s radio broadcasts for Arizona PBS.

An engaging and sought-after speaker, Mike has delivered lectures to more than 65,000 people worldwide, through institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera Guild, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Curtis Institute of Music, Santa Fe Opera, and in conjunction with productions at Teatro alla Scala and La Fenice.

He lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with his spouse, Peter, and Larry, a beloved member of their family through Elwyn, Inc.’s Life Sharing program. Their two dogs, Oliver and Finny, keep things lively by appearing on Zoom calls and continuously prove that dogs really do eat homework… and shoes and socks as well. Learn more at michaeljbolton.com.