The New York City Opera (NYCO) presents a season of free live performances this summer as part of the Park Series in Bryant Park Picnic Performances. True to its spirit of bringing opera to the general public, the New York company’s open-air concerts will be free of charge and will also be streamed on its website. With these summer performances, the Big Apple company, which after the pandemic has seen its lyrical offerings reduced and has never reached the level of budget and programming of its neighbour, the Metropolitan Opera House, aims to join in the celebrations of the centenary of Puccini’s death. On 31 May and 1 June, NYCO proposes two concerts in honour of the composer’s legacy, with a programme in which the house orchestra and chorus, conducted by Maestro Joseph Rescigno, will offer selections from each and every one of Puccini’s operas performed by stars of the opera world, yet to be confirmed.
He will also present a production of Tosca on 23 and 24 August, with cast details still to be confirmed.
“My favourite part of performing outdoors is how the music soars under the stars. We are The People’s Opera, and through our partnership with Bryant Park, we are thrilled to present our favourite offerings free of charge to thousands of New Yorkers,” says Maestro Rescigno, the company’s music director.