Opera Librettist
“Her words fit into the story and the conceit of this production, urging both the characters and the audience along. It’s in large part because of Biern’s deft use of language that the audience is able to take in some of the large musical, emotional, and conceptual leaps that it does.”
Read More in DC Theatre Arts
The Marriage of Figaro on the Vegas strip?
Abduction from the Seraglio in 19th century Texas?
Gianni Schicchi in South Philly?
“Welcome to my world, where opera is accessible to opera lovers and newbies alike. I reset operas to a different time and place and adapt them into English.
Am I multilingual? Absolutely not. I research several traditional English translations for each project and, once I’ve familiarized myself with the score,
I put my own lyrical spin on it, being careful to stay faithful to the intention of the composer and librettist.
My favorite part? Following the rhyme scheme of the original language. It’s challenging, fun, and a total labor of love.”
-Bari Biern
“The best thing I saw in 2025 was St. John the Baptist”
-Sasha Jernakoff for Parterre Box — Read More
Watch excerpts from the first act of 2013's Abduction from the Seraglio, produced by the In Series.
Watch excerpts from the first act of 2013's Abduction from the Seraglio, produced by the In Series.