Our mission at Teatro Grattacielo is to promote the rich tradition of traditional and new opera, revitalizing lesser-known works, commissioning new operas, supporting emerging singers and creating all-inclusive community programming. Through artist advocacy programs and partnerships with established professionals and organizations, we foster diversity, inclusivity and belonging as we stride to cultivate new opera enthusiasts and to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the art form.
Specifically, we strive to:
• Present opera performances at major New York venues with the highest musical standards.
• Introduce new audiences to lesser-known operas through performances, lectures, and special events.
• Educate and introduce youth and young artists to opera and the arts through active participation,workshops and working-based learning internships.
• Expand the audience for all opera through education and community outreach programs.
• Assist emerging artists in developing their careers through performance opportunities.
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.
Since its new leadership in 2020, the company has accomplished the following:
1. 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 based on William Maxwell’s short stories: The Old Man at the Railroad Crossing and Other Tales.
2. International recognition - Teatro Grattacielo has gained a reputation outside of the US.
3. Collaborations - The company has collaborated with other arts and city organizations, including the Battery Park City Authority, Opera Hispanica, The Queens Symphony, Cultural and Conference Center of Crete, Lincoln sponsored The Festival of NY and Megaron Thessaloniki.
4. Educational / Community programming - Teatro Grattacielo has a robust educational program that includes lectures, working based internships, workshops, and masterclasses.
5. Innovations in performance - The company has experimented with multimedia and other interactive performance techniques to engage audiences in new ways.
