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
New York City Opera is proud to partner with the Gracie Mansion Conservancy to present A Serenade to Love, an intimate evening of opera and classical music in one of New York City’s most iconic historic settings....
February 2026
New York City Opera is delighted to share that our Executive and Music Director and Principal Conductor, Constantine Orbelian, has been honored with the Cultural Icon Award by Art Estate magazine...
February 2026
A proud moment for all of us at New York City Opera. Our Executive & Music Director and Principal Conductor, Maestro Constantine Orbelian, has been nominated for the CULTURAL ICON Award by the ART E$TATE Magazine. His artistry, leadership, and lifelong devotion to music continue...
January 2026
New York City Opera is delighted to announce the launch of Young Patrons of New York City Opera, a new community created to engage and inspire the next generation of opera and classical music supporters...
January 2026
Reviving a cultural icon for a new generation
