Start your New York experience on a high note with your New York car rentals company AAMCAR. The New York City Opera (NYCO) is based in Philip Johnson’s New York State Theater at Lincoln Center. Founded in February 21, 1944 the opera company home base was the City Center on West 55th Street. The Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia dubbed the opera as “the people’s opera company”. The first New York City Opera season consisted of nine performances of three productions over seven days.
Take a step into New York City Opera’s past…
In just one week or programming, the New York City Opera had not only succeeded financially but also took a huge step towards its mission. The next big opening wouldn’t happen until 22 years later on February 22, 1966. Featuring a young Placido Domingo in the Ginastera’s Don Rodrigo production the company opening night happened in the crowded Lincoln Center marketplace. During the fall season of 1966, American soprano Beverly Sills who had been with the company for over a decade took the stage as Cleopatra in Handel’s Julius Caesar. This performance launched her into stardom and would be known as the “Beverly Sills era”. In 1979 of November Sills announced her retirement to focus on her new position as City Opera’s General Director, replacing Julius Rudel who had served since 1957.
Entering a new era…
In January 1996, Paul Kellogg’s took the New York City Opera his under wing. He introduced the audience with unusual repertoire and a fresh approach to classics which included the works of baroque masters such as Handel, Gluck, and Rameau, sparking an interest in these long neglected masterpieces.
Things you can expect to see…
When you go and visit the New York City Opera with your New York car rentals company AAMCAR make
Semele – Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and according to Ovid, neither does heaven. This erotic Handel opera is based on the mythological tale of a goddess’s vengeance. Semele marks the 11th production in the company’s Handel cycle and the first opera’s first professional staging in New York City. If you choose to see this production with your New York car rentals company, make sure to note the music of Semele, especially the powerful choruses which are only matched in Carmen and Violetta.
The Elixir of Love – In the Cinderella story with a twist, the lead is a Donizetti’s male. Produced by Jonathan Miller, you will be amazed at the transformation of a Donizetti’s rustic Italian setting into Americana when you come and visit with your New York car rentals company AAMCAR. The humble Nemorino and uppity Adina will be easily seen in the style of music. You will not be disappointed when you heard the famous aria, “Una furtive lagrima”. This heart – warming performance is mixed with wackiness, machismo, and rollicking rhythms all sung in Italian.
Expanding you Italian past “mamma mia”…
Don’t know a word of Italian outside of a restaurant menu? No problem! When you travel with your New York car rentals company AAMCAR, all shows will have English supertitles. In fact, the New York City Opera was the first company to establish the concept of the English supertitles, allowing everyone and anyone to enjoy an opera.
A major leap in the New York City Opera
In 1945 the company became the first major opera company to have an African American performer. Lawrence Winters sand Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. The first African American woman to take the stage was Camilla Williams, a soprano in Madame Butterfly in 1946.
The New York City Opera
New York City Opera
20 Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023