City Lyric Opera redefines the way opera is perceived and produced. We provide affordable, timely opera for the New York City community with a commitment to productions that put artists first, ensuring a welcoming experience both on and offstage Positioning Statement: City Lyric Opera changes the landscape of opera in New York City. We believe artists deserve a welcoming and collaborative environment in which to rehearse, perform and grow. We provide artists with a safe place to refine their craft, giving audiences a world-class performance experience that enriches the artist’s full capacity and spectrum of creativity, both musically and theatrically. What We Believe Uplifting all Voices : As a Women-Founded and led organization, City Lyric Opera prioritizes providing opportunities to all artists through a lens of inclusion and developing a sense of belonging to create a home for all artists within the operatic community. Through this initiative, the art in which we produce becomes stronger and more impactful for artists and audiences alike. New York City: The creation of City Lyric Opera was inspired by the many talented artists of New York City. We pride ourselves in creating paid, kind, collaborative spaces for ideas, innovation, and creativity within the New York City operatic community. Relevant Opera : In our modern society, opera is often seen as irrelevant and dated. City Lyric Opera changes this stereotype by redefining the operatic experience. We believe that great opera takes audience members to the depths of the human experience, and through questioning and contemplating the significance of a particular piece, we are able to highlight issues that are still relevant today. Affordable Opera: Historically, opera has provided an evening of entertainment and socialization for all people while highlighting social and economical issues of its time. City Lyric Opera dismantles elitism, ensuring that opera is inclusive and for all people, no matter their background or circumstances. CLO provides affordable admission for all, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the operatic art form. New York City The creation of CLO was inspired by the many talented artists of New York City. We believe there are few places where true freedom is found in exploring one’s art and we pride ourselves in creating collaborative spaces for ideas, innovation, and creativity. City Lyric Opera provides a free program for artists to come together and explore their characters and their craft as well as provide compensation for the hard work of our artists. Relevant Opera Opera is often perceived as irrelevant and dated. We are working to change this stereotype by redefining the way our society views opera and classical music as a whole. Great opera can take audience members to the very depths of human emotion even if written and conceived hundreds of years ago. We take a step back, look at our world, and ask ourselves, “Why does this piece matter today?” It’s through this lens, that we are able to connect with audiences on a deeper level and showcase new and often surprising points of view within classic works, frequently highlighting issues that we still battle today. Affordable Opera Opera in its earliest form was for everyone, much like attending a movie or a sporting event. We think it is imperative to change the narrative that opera is only for the elite and want to create opera that is inclusive of all people no matter their socio-economic background. That is why we provide low ticket prices to encourage people of all incomes to enjoy and experience opera.