New York City Opera, founded in 1943, was for decades known as "the people's opera" – a democratic, affordable alternative to the neighbouring Metropolitan Opera. Long resident at Lincoln Center (in today's David H. Koch Theater), it became famous for its commitment to American works, contemporary opera and young US singers; stars such as Beverly Sills and Plácido Domingo shaped its history. After financial crises and a 2013 bankruptcy, the company was revived in 2016 and has since performed at changing venues across New York. Its profile combines repertoire classics with rarely staged and new works.
Did you know?
Its nickname "the people's opera" goes back to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who wanted an affordable opera for all New Yorkers.
At a glance
- Type
- Opera house
- Location
- New York, USA
More venues in New York
- Al Hirschfeld Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Booth Theatre · Theatre, New York
- Broadway Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Carnegie Hall · Concert hall, New York
- David Geffen Hall · Concert hall, New York
- Eugene O'Neill Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Gershwin Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Imperial Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Lunt-Fontanne Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Lyceum Theatre · Theatre, New York