Teatro Grattacielo promotes the rich tradition of opera by commissioning new operas, revitalizing lesser-known works, and supporting emerging artists. Dedicated to making opera accessible to every corner of New York City, Teatro Grattacielo connects with communities of all cultural, social, and economic experiences, contributing to the sustainability of the art form.

Vision

Teatro Grattacielo envisions opera as a living, accessible art form rooted in musical excellence, civic connection, and artistic experimentation.

We strive to:

Present opera at major New York City venues with the highest musical standards.

Introduce audiences to lesser-known and newly written works, including new American operas.

Highlight underrepresented voices in the classical arts.

Expand access to opera through free public performances, education programs, community partnerships, and complimentary tickets.

Assist emerging artists in developing their careers through meaningful performance opportunities.

Educate youth and young artists through workshops, active participation, and work-based learning internships.

Foster cultural dialogue locally and globally, bridging communities through shared artistic experiences.

Blend opera with theater, visual art, design, movement, and public space to create immersive experiences for contemporary audiences.

• Artistic Excellence: We are committed to the highest standards of musical and theatrical artistry in all our productions and programs.
  
• Cultural Connection: We celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of New York City, fostering meaningful connections through opera across communities.
  
• Accessibility: We believe opera should be experienced by all, striving to make our performances and programs open, welcoming, and affordable to everyone.
  
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and creative approaches in opera, from repertoire choices to immersive productions and educational initiatives.
  
• Community Engagement: We are dedicated to building strong relationships with individuals, schools, and organizations throughout New York City, creating opportunities for participation and collaboration.
  
• Artist Development: We support emerging talent by providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development.
  
• Sustainability: We are committed to the long-term vitality of the operatic art form through thoughtful programming, education, and advocacy.
  
• Resilience: We embrace change and challenge as opportunities for growth in our artistic journey, adapting to new environments and creative possibilities.
  

• Curiosity: We foster a spirit of exploration, inviting audiences and artists to discover the unexpected through opera, encouraging lifelong learning and artistic discovery.

Since its new leadership in 2020, the company has accomplished the following:

• Expanded repertoire - Teatro Grattacielo has been scheduling world premieres since 2024, beginning with Nicolas Flagello’s Beyond the Horizon. In 2025, we will present the world premiere of Daniel Asia’s The Tin Angel. Looking ahead to 2026, we are set to produce The Tempest by Joseph Summers and have commissioned a new opera for America250, Jefferson Lives!, that focuses on the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
• Collaborations - The company is collaborating with other arts and city organizations, including the Gotham Park, The Longest Table, Battery Park City Authority, Opera Hispanica, The Queens Symphony, and internationaly with Cultural and Conference Center of Crete, Lincoln sponsored The Festival of NY and Megaron Thessaloniki.
  
• Educational / Community programming - Teatro Grattacielo has a robust educational program that includes lectures, working based internships, workshops, and masterclasses. We partner with community organizations, agencies, schools and other nonprofits to annually serve over 10,000 individuals including students, retirees, veterans, people with disabilities, and other audience members of all backgrounds. By offering programming at no cost, we remove historically financial barriers to the arts and opera, making it easier for individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate.
  
• Innovations in performance - The company has experimented with multimedia and other interactive performance techniques to engage audiences in new ways.
  
• International recognition - Teatro Grattacielo has gained a reputation outside of the US
  

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• Teatro Grattacielo was founded in 1994 in New York City with a mission to preserve and perform lesser-known Italian operas. Over the years, the organization has achieved numerous milestones that demonstrate its commitment to excellence in the arts.
  

• In the early years Teatro Grattacielo’s most notable accomplishments is its successful production of rare and overlooked operatic works such as Mascagni’s Guglielmo Ratcliff, Il Piccolo Marat, and Iris, Montemezzi’s L’Amore dei Tre Re, L’Incantesimo, and Risurrezione, Zandonai’s Giulietta e Romeo as well as Giordano’s La Cena Delle Beffe . Through meticulous research and dedication to musical authenticity, the company has unearthed forgotten gems from the Italian operatic tradition and brought them to life on stage.
  

• Additionally, Teatro Grattacielo has established itself as a leader in the opera community through its collaborations with internationally recognized artists and conductors. By fostering these relationships, the organization has been able to create world-class productions that are both artistically inspiring and technically impressive.
  

• Overall, Teatro Grattacielo’s dedication to preserving and promoting opera has made it one of the premier opera companies in the United States. Its commitment to excellence and authenticity has earned it the admiration of audiences, critics, and artists alike.