Born in New York. Beloved around the world. We create unforgettable opera for our city - and bring American culture to the global stage.
A stage that shaped legends. A legacy that changed opera forever.
We honor our extraordinary past by building a bold new chapter for the future of opera.
Opera should be an early memory — not an acquired taste. We’re inspiring young hearts with music, magic, and stories that stay for a lifetime.
Timeless emotions. Eternal stories. New formats. We are creating fresh, imaginative programs that invite everyone - from first-time opera-goers to lifelong devotees - into the magic of live opera performance.
Born in New York. Beloved around the world. We create unforgettable opera for our city - and bring American culture to the global stage.
A stage that shaped legends. A legacy that changed opera forever.
We honor our extraordinary past by building a bold new chapter for the future of opera.
Opera should be an early memory — not an acquired taste. We’re inspiring young hearts with music, magic, and stories that stay for a lifetime.
Timeless emotions. Eternal stories. New formats. We are creating fresh, imaginative programs that invite everyone - from first-time opera-goers to lifelong devotees - into the magic of live opera performance.
Founded in 1943 as “The People’s Opera”, New York City Opera has always been a stage for innovation, accessibility, and artistic courage. Today, the company enters a new era under the leadership of Constantine Orbelian — Executive Director, Music Director, and Principal Conductor — reaffirming its mission to bring world-class opera to all New Yorkers. At the same time, NYCO expands its international collaborations, presenting projects from the great stages of Europe to emerging opera venues in the Middle East, building bridges between cultures and audiences worldwide.
“The People’s Opera” is born
Move to the New York State theatre
First opera broadcast on cable television
Since 1974 Summer Performances in Bryant Park
Maestro Constantine Orbelian appointed Executive Director of NYCO
“The People’s Opera”
is born
Move to the New York
State theatre
First opera broadcast
on cable television
Since 1974 Summer
Performances in Bryant Park
“Maestro Constantine Orbelian appointed Executive Director of NYCO
NYCO’s Executive & Music Director
On December 14th, New York City Opera’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Constantine Orbelian led a sold-out concert at the Isar Philharmonic in Munich, conducting the Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance featuring international tenor sensation Jonathan Tetelman...
December 2025
New York City Opera is proud to unveil a new visual identity and website that reflect a vibrant new chapter in the company’s storied legacy...
October 2025
Marty Pompadur Joins NYCO as Senior Advisor. We are delighted to welcome Marty Pompadur, celebrated media executive and philanthropist, as Senior Advisor to New York City Opera...
August 2025
This summer, New York City Opera lit up Bryant Park with two unforgettable performances...
Summer 2025
Reviving a cultural icon for a new generation
