NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Under the direction of its founding conductor Eve Queler, the orchestra produces three operas-in-concert each year at Carnegie Hall, which are also often the occasion of debuts for new international opera stars. Since its 1971 premier season, OONY has offered more than 90 rare operas by great composers including Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Bellini and others.

The organization’s Young Artists Program has trained and introduced a number of talented singers, many of whom now enjoy major careers. Thirty-nine graduates are now on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera. Program alumni include Renée Fleming, Lauren Flanigan, Deborah Voigt, Vivica Genaux, Francisco Casanova and James Morris.

Opera Orchestra’s Carnegie concerts are broadcast on the syndicated program “World of Opera” on National Public Radio.

The Metropolitan Opera has over the years presented five works given their first New York performance by Opera Orchestra of New York, including Katy’a Kabanova, I Lombardi, Rusalka, La Juive and Benvenuto Cellini. The Chicago Lyric, Houston Grand and San Francisco Operas have also undertaken OONY-premiered works.