New York City Opera has announced its first full season since it emerged from bankruptcy. The company shut down in 2015 after new management discovered previously undisclosed debt, but has now been brought back to life by impresario Michael Capasso.
The 2016-17 season includes 28 performances of six works, with a focus on new, niche and rarely performed pieces. The programme features Peter Eotvos’ Angels in America; Tobin Stokes’ Fallujah; Rachmaninoff’s Aleko and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci in a double bill; Bernstein’s Candide; and Respighi’s rarely performed La Campana Sommersa.
Stokes’ work Fallujah appears in New York for the first time, and tells the story of a US Marine injured in the Iraq war. Meanwhile composer Tobias Picker has been commissioned to compose American Venus for the company’s 75th anniversary in 2019.
‘I’m delighted to unveil a full season for the reorganised company which continues New York City Opera’s historic legacy: classics alongside contemporary works, neglected works by great composers, and explorations of opera’s earliest masterpieces,’ said general director Michael Capasso. ‘I believe our season will have both broad public appeal and the artistic integrity that audiences have long associated with City Opera. My colleagues and I along with the board of City Opera are immensely grateful for the public’s continued support.’
Capasso added that the budget for next season is USD6.5m (€5.8m), with a director of development coming on board to help the company grow. 2017-18 will likely see a similar number of productions. The new season opens on 8 September.
