Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Opera Orchestra of New York (OONY) is a classical music ensemble that has been a staple of the New York City music scene for over four decades. Founded in 1971 by conductor Eve Queler, the OONY has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to bringing lesser-known operas to the stage. Eve Queler, a native New Yorker, began her career as a pianist and vocal coach before turning to conducting. She founded the OONY with the goal of providing a platform for young singers to perform alongside established stars in a professional setting. The ensemble's first performance was a concert version of Verdi's "I Lombardi" at Carnegie Hall in 1972. Over the years, the OONY has become known for its commitment to performing lesser-known operas and reviving neglected works. In 1974, the ensemble performed the American premiere of Rossini's "La Gazzetta," which had not been performed in over a century. The OONY has also performed works by composers such as Massenet, Meyerbeer, and Donizetti that are rarely heard in modern opera houses. One of the OONY's most notable performances was its 1982 production of Meyerbeer's "L'Africaine," which had not been performed in New York City in over 80 years. The production featured a star-studded cast, including Plácido Domingo and Shirley Verrett, and was hailed by critics as a triumph. In addition to its commitment to lesser-known works, the OONY has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in opera. The ensemble has performed with singers such as Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, and Renée Fleming, as well as conductors such as James Levine and Zubin Mehta. The OONY has also been recognized for its contributions to the classical music world. In 1995, the ensemble was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' Opera Honors Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the art form. In 2009, Eve Queler was awarded the National Opera Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the opera world. Despite its many successes, the OONY has faced financial challenges in recent years. In 2013, the ensemble was forced to cancel its season due to a lack of funding. However, the OONY has continued to persevere, and in 2015, the ensemble returned to the stage with a performance of Verdi's "I Lombardi" at Carnegie Hall. Today, the OONY continues to be a vital part of the New York City music scene. The ensemble's commitment to bringing lesser-known operas to the stage and providing a platform for young singers has made it a beloved institution among opera fans. With Eve Queler still at the helm, the OONY shows no signs of slowing down and remains a force to be reckoned with in the classical music world.

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