Reviving a cultural icon for a new generation
Reviving a cultural icon
for a new generation
for a new generation
A New Chapter Begins
Reviving a cultural icon
for a new generation
for a new generation
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.
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Our LegacyPioneering premieres, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of American opera since 1943.
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New LeadershipConstantine Orbelian brings artistic excellence and visionary direction to guide NYCO’s next chapter.
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Opera for the CityFrom Carnegie Hall to Bryant Park, we bring music to stages grand and open-air alike, reaching audiences everywhere.
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Future GenerationsExpanding education and outreach to inspire young audiences and create the opera lovers of tomorrow.
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2021-04-28 -
2020-08-13
Moments That Shaped Us
1943
Founded by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, New York City Opera was created to make high-quality opera affordable and accessible. Its first General Director, Laszlo Halasz, set a mission of championing American talent and bringing opera to the people.
“The People’s Opera” is born
On March 31, 1945, baritone Todd Duncan debuted as Tonio in Pagliacci, becoming the first African-American artist to sing a leading role with a major U.S. opera company. This landmark moment set a precedent for inclusion and equal opportunity.
In 1966, City Opera moved into its new home at Lincoln Center, elevating its profile and capacity to reach thousands of New Yorkers every season. This era saw the rise of Beverly Sills and NYCO’s growing national fame.
NYCO cemented its reputation as “the company of firsts,” championing new American operas. In 1986, it premiered Anthony Davis’s X, a groundbreaking work addressing race, history, and identity in America.
Under the leadership of Constantine Orbelian as Executive Director and Music Director, NYCO embarks on a bold revival. With international collaborations — from Europe’s storied opera houses to emerging stages in the Middle East — City Opera reclaims its place as a cultural icon for a new generation.
1945
1966
1986
2025
First African-American lead at a major U.S. opera
A new home at Lincoln Center
Premiering Anthony Davis’s X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X
Orbelian leads the revival
Guiding the Opera Forward
About the Maestro
Constantine Orbelian
Constantine Orbelian
NYCO's Eecutive Director + Music Director
