I love opera. I love opera even more at $30 a ticket, often for orchestra seats! Last year I bought their Big Deal Membership (targeting the Young Professional)... Available to those age 21-35 -- which has been changed to 39 this year! A great choice!! For $75 you join the Mezzo Membership and then you can get up to 2 tickets per performance at $30 each. Tickets are released 2 weeks prior for the Big Deal and they seat you in Best Available, which I found to most often be Orchestra (regularly $110 ticket!) Even if you only go once (2 tickets) and sit in the orchestra, you make your money back. What a great way to get to see opera! The new York State Theater at Lincoln Center is a beautiful venue. I always feel like I'm in the middle of a big diamond ring. Their repertory is quite diverse, showing a number of new operas and testing out interesting productions that other opera houses wouldn't take time to test. Check it out! read more

New York City Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

Im the Duke of NYCO haha! Oh the shame! We wend to see Rigoretto. But seriously, amazing experience. Lincoln Center is a huge place. Every seat has a little moderator which translate whatever the hell they are singing. I figured this out only after the 2nd act, so had no idea what the first act as about. The highlight of the night was there was a topless stripper in one act. Seriously, im not kidding! read more

Contrary to popular belief; I'm a classy broad. In fact, the only reason you'll never hear me bragging about how high faultin' I am is because, well...it's tacky - duh. But I will say that if you did a breakdown of my 20+ years, a good chunk of scrilla and time has gone to Lincoln Center and it's 13 resident organizations - including the New York City Opera. So when invited to the closing performance of Don Giovanni, like the genteel lady I am, I curtsied deeply despite wearing a hoop skirt and graciously accepted (aka said "Hell YEAH!' then burped loudly.) The production itself was pretty damn flawless. Considering how broke the NYC Opera company is nowadays, I must say that they were able to Cinderella this show (turn somethin' outta nothin') quite well. The staging itself was a plain room with half panel walls and an electric crucifix. Save for the occasional coffin and candelabra, the only props used were black chairs and a large table (not to mention the effective use of wardrobe, which seemed to revolve around 1930's fascist Spain, with a bit of '50s Mad Men slim cut tailoring thrown in for the men.) Sadly, the males with their rich baritones, basses, and tenors out-shined the women, who were mainly comprised of thin sounding sopranos. The theatre itself was ok. We had second tier seats, which, judging from the staging, gave the best view in the entire house - any lower, and we'd have to crane our necks back uncomfortably, and any higher, we wouldn't be able to read the teleprompter and watch the actors simultaneously (unless 18th century Italian happens to be your first language.) This house recently underwent renovations, which allows for better acoustics, more legroom in seats (very important for us 6+ footers) but a very shitty traffic flow in regards to entering Lincoln Center, the building itself and using the restrooms. The audience was the typical opera crowd; old, white, moneyed and wrinkled, with a smattering of Gossip Girl-aged teens here and there. Considering how contemporary and sexy the blocking was for Don Giovanni, I'm surprised that NYCO couldn't figure out a way to drawn in a younger generation, because we clearly were the only 20 somethings in the house...ah well, it was a good day nonetheless. 3 stars for the NYCO, 4 for Don Giovanni. read more

Let me lay it out for you: I LOVE CITY OPERA. Sure, it's the ugly stepsister to the Metropolitan Opera and the space and productions not as posh. But many of the performers at City are just as talented as the ones at the Met. And for productions like Tosca where a bit of grit enhances rather than impedes, City Opera shines particularly bright. I agree with previous Yelpers who say the above-stage translations are a bit dopey, but they do allow you to keep your eyes on the stage more easily than at the Met, where you have to watch the chairback in front of you. I like the Met and all its glitz, I admire all the talent that passes through its doors. But in some ways I love City Opera more for serving up opera as it ought to be served: with candor and in the form of raw, sometimes imperfectly polished talent. Voices can break in the middle of particularly emotional scenes, here; there is less of an emphasis on opera as something sublime and more on opera as something real that real people live and experience. read more

This was my first exposure to live opera, and it was a blast. C., her friend E., and I went to the current production of Semele last night, and even though the opera had been described as challenging and somewhat long, I loved every minute of it. Lincoln Center Plaza is beautiful. The fountain in the middle is especially so when lit in the evening. The lobby to the theater is beautiful. Be sure to check out art, including Elie Nadelman's 1931 marble sculptures. Also, if you end up on one of the upper levels -- I bought $25 tickets, so we were on the fourth ring -- be sure to walk around, look out the big glass windows in front, and touch the beaded blinds trailing from ceiling to floor four flights down. I didn't have any food or drink or shop in the gift store, but I did use the restroom at intermission. There's a men's and a women's on each floor, and they're clean and easily accessible. But the opera? Oh, the opera! Semele is awesome. Originally written by Handel in the 1740s or so, it was one of the first secular oratorios and caused quite a sensation. This staging is wonderfully done, and the director has updated it to include some political commentary and pop culture references, casting Semele as a Marilyn Monroe-like figure. My favorite character has to be Somnus, however. He's hilarious -- but understated. If you've never gone to the opera, by all means, go. This is a great place to start. read more

Just because this review is after the Met Opera, it doesn't mean it's subpar. Wow. I love NYC Opera, whose name also gives definition to NYC. While the Met is very traditional, NYC Opera takes a creative approach to reinterpreting opera, which makes it very enjoyable for contemporary audiences. The Met aims to be the classiest and traditional house of world class talent, but NYC Opera is the place for artists to let out their creative energy and have budding divos/divas execute it. The result is completely amazing! I recently saw Madame Butterfly, which was artistically phenomenal and emotionally heart-rending. Too bad its duration is ephemeral, but there are more promising eclectic ones that are in production for the next season. Come here for off-beat opera; go to the Met for traditional opera at its best. read more

First off, thanks very much to Julie K. for putting together this opera event. And it was great to attend it with Maria, Roderick, Javier, and Josie. My first Metropolitan Opera was La Boheme and it seems appropriate that my first New York City Opera should be La Boheme as well. The Met is established with a larger bank account; their La Boheme is splashy with a pony (if I remember correctly...it was over a decade ago). New York City Opera's has no pony but a wonderfully realistic train. They also take La Boheme out of the historical time frame and place it in pre-WWI Europe. This twist on a standard opera makes it somehow a little more relatable and quieter, somewhat more nuanced. New York City Opera is more experimental, more willing to take chances on younger singers and help them along in their careers. It's exactly such companies that keep opera alive as an art form and keep the singers alive as well. And it's exciting to see younger singers whose reputations don't proceed them, to hear their fresh voices. And going to see La Boheme again reminds me what a sentimental sap I still remain at heart. The ending had me all teary (I still love the closing act of the opera; very melodramatic)....operas and Korean dramas all in one trip might be too much. read more

Amazing experience every time. I went to the Met 3 times in 3 weeks on various days and the service was impeccable every time. The beauty of the venue is a pure delight to the viewer. I went to see the American ballet over the summer and I arrived early twice and was capable to get orchestra tickets for $25 a very affordable price considering the event, I was amazed and delighted. Not many are aware of this but it is FANTASTIC! read more

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I saw their production of Handel's Orlando at Lincoln Center a few years ago. Countertenor Bejun Mehta (I believe a nephew to the great Zubin) took the lead role and did an absolutely fantastic job. Kudos to the orchestra for their HIP (historically informed performance) approach to the music despite being a fully modern group. Articulations and phrasing was authentic, and they played at Baroque pitch. In addition to the obligatory harpsichord, they had an archlute as part of the continuo group, which was a nice touch. I went more for the music than anything else, and I was happy with their effort. I could have done without the minimalist/avant garde approach to set design, but since I was paying more attention to the orchestra, it didn't matter. read more

I'll preface by saying I have no opera experience to compare this to, but that aside, what a wonderful evening I had here! I went to see a recent production of Falstaff, Verdi's last opera. It was simply lovely--very funny, the lead was a great booming man, and the view was incredible from the second row! They have a great promotional deal on the site for $25 tickets, although it's not totally obvious where to click. My only complaint is that reading the subtitles (or sopratitles, since they're actually above the stage) is painful for the length of the opera, either for your neck or eyeballs. Fortunately I speak Italian, so I already understood two thirds of what they were singing. But sometimes, to make the rhymes fit the rhythm, they had to chop up words or elongate them...in which case I was looking up towards the ceiling. Overall, totally worth it for the price, even with the peering. read more

Let me start by saying that I'm an opera singer trying to get a career off the ground, so my standards may be different than other people's. Also, I grew up with the music, and some of the greatest singers in my ears all my life -- my mother ALWAYS had music playing at home, and both my brothers sang classical music. Having said that, I've had a subscription to NYCO for years, thanks to their "Create Your Own" series. I don't need to see BOHEME or CARMEN anymore -- been there, done that (unless there's a singer worth seeing!). But I love the oddball stuff they do that you don't see at the Met: VANESSA (what a sin there!), LITTLE PRINCE, PLATEE, etc. Sometimes you are lucky and get a hot new voice on stage, but often that's not the case. Katherine Goeldner in VANESSA this fall was FABULOUS!!! But I've heard several singers who were obviously struggling through their roles and vocally dying halfway through. Still, this is a great venue to be introduced to opera -- although with the Met's $20 rush ticket, it's hard to spend that $20 at NYCO, unless it's an unusual production! read more

3.5 stars I was here for Carmen years ago. My first opera in NYC (I didn't know as much about the opera scene in NYC then). I enjoyed the performance but wasn't blown away. First off, the NYC Opera uses a gigantic overhead projector to reveal the subtitles (Yes, we are in NYC, not Italy, not France, not Austria... we need English subtitling ;p) along with the flow of the opera... Hmmm at the Met, all seats have a personalized subtitling in front. Second, the props at NYC Opera were basic... nothing mindblowing like that of the Met. So this being the case, of course I'd be at the Met for operas! I have never returned to NYC Opera* and has since been a huge fan and a regular at the Met. I have to admit that there were times that I have actually contemplated returning here to catch operas that weren't in the Met's lineup but then I would think again to myself... what's the point .;p Hopefully things will change for the better once they are done with their major renovations. * I have continued to attend performances by NYC Ballet here but none by NYC Opera since. read more

City Opera was always the adventurous one compared to the MET, but now that George Steel has taken over the helm it's better than ever. Where else in the world can you get a program of great American composers - some still living. Bernstein, Steven Schwartz, John Zorn. The only sad thing is that the MET got Dr. Atomic. They always feature fantastic young American singer-actors and that was on full display with the NY premiere of Bernstein's "A Quiet Place" this week. A superb trio of the kids in the show. Sara Jakubiak as Dede was a star in the making. Go to City Opera and go often. read more

Wonderful sets and costumes. Candide and Cunegonde had fabulous voices and enunciated so you could understand them. The "master" was hard to hear and impossible to understand. And since he tells the story that was extremely problematic. Also couldn't understand the chorus. Cunegonde's voice is spectacular. And she can act. Her big comedy aria brought down the house. Linda Lavin as the old lady is a treat. I'd like to give this more stars but the cast did not support these three standouts and second act dragged. read more

Its the New York City Opera ! Of course is as good as it gets ! read more

Excellent classy and elegant venue, I have been there many times and always never have been disappointed !! If you're an Opera buff, this world renowned place has all the most celebrated composers repertoire scheduled during their season , with world famous artists. Well it is the New York City Opera read more

Founded in 1943, this outstanding company, based in the New York State Theater in Lincoln Center, operates with a dual purpose - to bring affordable opera to the masses who shy away from ticket prices at the Met, and to present works less traditional than those generally performed across the plaza. The result is a season with an always interesting and diverse mix of old favorites such as 'Tosca' and 'Madame Butterfly,' lesser-known Gilbert & Sullivan like 'Patience,' new productions like 'The Little Prince,' and reworkings of Broadway classics, including 'The Most Happy Fella,' 'Sweeney Todd,' and 'Porgy and Bess.' Among its more notable accomplishments, the company launched the careers of such luminaries as Beverly Sills and Sherrill Milnes, pioneered the use of supertitles in this country (thus introducing an art form to millions who avoided it due to the foreign language librettos), and has championed contemporary American composers by consistently including them in its repertory over the years. read more

New York City Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

Your gateway to Opera. So, I'm an opera singer, and all my friends always tell me they want to get to know more about it - my answer is usually go see something at City Opera. New York City Opera gives me hope for the future of my art form in this country. Their productions are innovative, fun, and most importantly, they're committed to giving opportunities to young, American singers. NYCO is where you're going to see the next big thing (unlike at the Met where 50 y/o's make their debuts regularly). It's also great for premieres of new operas - two this year alone! They have a great promotion going for people 21-35 called the Big Deal (which I'm a member of). Check it out on their website: www.nycopera.org. GO SEE OPERA!! read more

The New York City Opera has shifted its energy from doing large scale productions of classic opera repertoire to focus on more modern works. This evening featured performances of 3 shorter operas by John Zorn, Arnold Schoenburg, and Morton Feldman. I am a huge Zorn fan, but the Feldman took the cake in this performance. I admire the New York CIty Opera's decision not to be shadowed by the higher budget Metropolitan Opera and do its own thing. read more

To be honest, I like the City Opera more than I like the Met. I have found that the singers at the Met can be freakishly hit or miss and that is not appropriate when shelling out $150 for a seat. City Opera is less expensive, has singers who are often on par with people I've heard at the Met (and are usually more physically appropriate for their roles [I saw Il Trovatore at the Met and watching Manrico and Count di Luna sword fight was like watching Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee have it out]), and a less stuffy crowd. read more

The MET's sister across the plaza. Its basically on par with big-budget regional companies, but with more innovative programming. Go here to see things you'll rarely see (Die Tote Stadt, Platee, Vanessa, La donna del Lago, etc), which they pull off very well. They don't attract the same level of singers as the MET, though once in a while you'll hear someone FANTASTIC up-and-coming people who you KNOW you'll see across the plaza in a few years. Artistically they are more daring, and sometimes more cheap, as seen in some recent productions (Elixir of Love, Salome, Butterfly are pallid examples that are vanquished by the MET's versions). Gerard Mortier will ensure City Opera's edginess with his eurotrash credentials, but if you've seen some of the MET's production models for 2007-8 (on display in the Gallery), Gelb is giving them some serious competition in this department... Tickets are cheaper too, but not by much. The MET's $20 Orchestra Rush seats don't have an equivalent at City Opera. read more

If you are a student, take your ID with you and get CHEAP tickets. If you're not then sell out the money because these are TALENTED singers. A lot of my friends sing in this opera and that adds something special for me. I like the NYCO much more than the MET. :) read more

I am really not a fan of the NYCO. I love love love opera very much, and I adore going to the Met, and honestly, I'd rather save my money and go to fewer shows, but have them be at the Met!! Of course, I don't mean to say that the NYCO is bad, because I am sure there is much worse out there, but the difference in quality between the Met and the NYCO is huge, and makes it impossible for me to give it anything above 3 stars! read more

One of the great wonders of the world. We only get here about twice a year, although I wish we went every week. Every performance is a breathtaking affair. Dress up and enjoy the atmosphere of another, more gentile time. Whatever you do, get the very best seats you can. It really does make a difference. read more

The NYCO is the Met's affordable counterpart, and in my experience, it's just as worth a trip. The venue is gorgeous, the up-and-coming singers are generally wonderful, and the productions they put on are of top-notch quality. I've never been disappointed by City Opera. read more

I love opera. I rarely missed a show in LA, and was very much looking forward to a show at the Met. My boyfriend brought me here on my birthday for my first show in NY. We saw Eugene Onegin. Beautifully performed. I was very impressed with the staging. The theater is gorgeous, adorned with amazing chandeliers. There are individual translations available in a few languages. They are located on the back of the seat in front of you and have privacy screens so you're not disturbed by your neighbors' screens. Incredible night. Can't wait for my next show. read more

Gorgeous, the facilities are simply gorgeous. While we quickly found that we were not Opera fans, following seeing our first performance, I was thrilled with the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful location on a Friday night. read more

Elegant. Wonderful. Affordable. Got rush tickets for $25 each to see Madama Butterfly recently. Perfect spot, first row, side orchestra. We saw everything in full view...It was beautiful and made me cry several times. Seats were new, clean, plush comfortable. Theater was pristine and sound was amazing. I am returning for Partenope! read more

excellent place and very innovative.. has a diverse collection of works but operates only from September to November and March to April. Good place for international opera lovers... read more

I went to quite a few operas at the Lincoln Center location in the last few years. I started to really appreciate opera after these events, after never really having been a full fledged fan. The lower price point is set here as compared to the Met, very much with the intent to introduce people to the opera, which is why I started going in the first place. Each opera was so very different, with standards like Madame Butterfly still being performed. One of the ones I saw however was far too cutting edge or avant-garde and almost off-putting. Of late, they have unfortunately not been performing at their Lincoln center local, but at other venues instead. read more

American ballet " LA bayadere" was absolutely incredible. Dancers were so magnificent. Perfection. Loved it.