Boston Lyric Opera will receive a $30,000 Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will support the fall 2019 production of Leoncavallo’s tragic opera “Pagliacci,” which will open the season on Sept. 27.

Out of 1,500 applicants in its category, BLO is one of 977 institutions chosen to receive the grant (which typically ranges $10,000 – $100,000). According to the NEA’s website, Art Works grants are awarded to “support artistically excellent projects that celebrate our creativity and cultural heritage, invite mutual respect for differing beliefs and values, and enrich humanity.”

BLO’s first-ever production of “Pagliacci,” directed by David Lefkowich, will feature tenor Rafael Rojas as Canio, soprano Lauren Michelle as Nedda, Tobias Greenhalgh as Silvio, Michael Mayes as Tonio, and Omar Najmi as Beppe/Harlequin. Music Director David Angus will conduct.