TEATRO GRATTACIELO

Vision

We strive to:

Present opera performances at major New York venues with the highest musical standards.
Introduce new audiences to lesser-known and newly written operas through performances, lectures, and special events while highlighting underrepresented voices in the classical arts.
Expand the audience for all opera through education and community outreach programs.
Assist emerging artists in developing their careers through performance opportunities.
Educate and introduce youth and young artists to opera and the arts through active participation, workshops, and work-based learning internships.
Foster cultural dialogue through opera locally and globally, bridging communities through shared artistic experiences.
Blend opera with other art forms to create immersive, multidisciplinary experiences that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Values

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.

History and Accomplishments

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 based on William Maxwell’s short stories: The Old Man at the Railroad Crossing and Other Tales.
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.
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.