NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Chelsea Opera provides opportunities for both seasoned and emerging artists to advance their craft in a professional setting with a chamber orchestra in New York City.

Modest in scale without sacrificing its high performance values, the company presents mainstage productions in an intimate performing space in a landmark church: St. Peter’s Church in Chelsea on West 20th Street. Its productions of fully staged operas are engaging, affordable and accessible to a broad audience. Intensely interested in attracting first-time audiences, the company is committed to creating pre-performance programs and activities for adults, and structured educational outreach programs coupled with live performances for New York City school children.

With the growing need for singers to further their art in a professional performing venue, Chelsea Opera was formed in 2004 by two singers, Lynne Hayden-Findlay and Leonarda Priore. Suor Angelica, its first fully staged production, was produced on a shoe-string budget and was successful in achieving its goal of bringing the essentials of fine opera to the stage: great singing in a moving performance led by a talented young maestro, Carmine Aufiero.

The company has since presented 10 main stage operas: Cavalleria Rusticana, Amahl and the Night Visitors (twice), Pagliacci (featuring the operatic debut of tenor Daniel Rodriguez), Don Giovanni, Gianni Schicchi, The Ballad of Baby Doe (50th Anniversary of the New York City premiere), The Scarf/The Bear, and a fifth anniversary presentation of it's first production, Suor Angelica.

Between mainstage productions, artists are featured in “Chelsea Opera presents…” concerts which are held at the New York New Church on East 35th Street. Recent artists have included tenor Luigi Boccia and mezzo soprano Leonarda Priore.

• ADA Compliant Restrooms: Restrooms are fully available at the New York New Church. They are not available at St. Peter's.
• Box Office: Box office open on day of performance only, 1/2 hour before curtain.
• Disability Access: The New York New Church is fully wheelchair accessible.
• Disability Assistance: Wheelchair ramp available at St. Peter's in Chelsea.

Get involved with Chelsea Opera

• Donations through NYCharities.org
• Donations through Chelsea Opera's Web site: Donations may be made on-line through NYCharities.org or by mail.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are welcome to help during mainstage productions (set construction/painting, light rigging, costume sewing or pulling) or during performances (backstage assistants, ticket sellers, ushers, etc.)