The People’s Opera – New York City Opera

The People’s Opera – New York City Opera – has focused on producing unique works, showcasing emerging young artists, and educating the next generation of performing arts lovers. Throughout its history as The People's Opera, NYC Opera has made opera accessible and affordable. People opera exists to give everyone an alternative artistic experience, unique and accessible to all. And after the successful history NYC Opera needed help to produce its upcoming season.

Campaign success

Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on September 30, 2013.
It had 2,108 backers. 
They pledged $301,019 of $1,000,000 goal.

The New York City Opera has raised only $301,019 and the goal was 1 million dollars. Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on September 30, 2013. The 'People's Opera' has struggled in recent years. It closed its doors in 2008 for a refurbishment that coincided with the Financial Crisis, and has struggled to make ends meet since then. Organizers describe the crowdfunding campaign as 'urgent', but it is only a slice of a larger call for $7 million by the end of September. New York City Opera did not achieve the goal on Kickstarter but they have raised $1.5 million outside of Kickstarter, but they still have not reached the goal.

Rewards for donors

Pledge $1 or more

Thank you! We'll recognize your support on our "I Stand by New York City Opera!" web donor wall.

Pledge $5 or more

Download of desktop wallpaper with artwork from the New York City Opera 2013-2014 Season. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $10 or more

Cupid, God of Love in NYC Opera's ENDIMIONE, will send you a note of thanks. PLUS desktop wallpaper download and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $15 or more

"I Stand by New York City Opera!" bumper sticker, PLUS desktop wallpaper download and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $15 or more

Downloadable audio recording of the NYC Opera Class on Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, featuring NYC Opera Artistic Director George Steel. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $25 or more

"The People's Opera" commemorative button set. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $25 or more

A ticket for you to attend NYC Opera's production of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center April 19-26, 2014. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $30 or more

Postcard with your choice of 2013-2014 Season artwork - pick from ANNA NICOLE, ENDIMIONE, BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE, and THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $50 or more

A pair of tickets for you and a guest to attend NYC Opera's production of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center April 19-26, 2014. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $50 or more

Commemorative 2013-2014 Season canvas tote bag, printed with NYC Opera logo. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $75 or more

Downloadable mp3 playlist curated by NYC Opera Artistic Director George Steel. PLUS downloadable desktop wallpaper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $100 or more

Four-pack of season artwork postcards. PLUS downloadable desktop wallpaper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $100 or more

Your choice of CD or DVD from the NYC Opera online gift shop, subject to available inventory. PLUS downloadable desktop wallpaper, special thanks on our web donor wall, and 4-pack of 2013-2014 Season artwork postcards.

Pledge $100 or more

Join a principle singer from the NYC Opera 2013-2014 season on video chat for an exclusive, one-on-one vocal coaching. Pick a passage of your choice from one of our season operas! Appointment will be arranged subject to coach availability. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $100 or more

A pair of tickets to our April 2014 production of Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS "I Stand by New York City Opera!" bumper sticker, desktop wallpaper download and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $150 or more

A pair of tickets to our April 2014 production of Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS "I Stand by New York City Opera!" bumper sticker, desktop wallpaper download and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $225 or more

A pair of tickets to our April 2014 production of Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS "I Stand by New York City Opera!" bumper sticker, desktop wallpaper download and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $250 or more

A pair of tickets to our April 2014 production of Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS "I Stand by New York City Opera!" bumper sticker, desktop wallpaper download and special thanks on web donor wall.

Pledge $500 or more

Replica of NYC Opera 1943 inaugural season poster (14" x 21"). PLUS downloadable desktop wallpaper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $500 or more

Commemorative NYC Opera 2013-2014 season poster (14" x 21"). PLUS downloadable desktop wallpaper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $500 or more

Your own copy of NYC Opera's newly commissioned score of J.C. Bach's ENDIMIONE, autographed by the artistic team for this opera, never before performed in the United States. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $500 or more

A pair of the best tickets in the house! You and a guest will attend NYC Opera's production of ENDIMIONE at El Museo del Barrio, February 8-16, 2014. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $500 or more

A pair of the best tickets in the house! You and a guest will attend NYC Opera's production of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center, on April 19, 22, or 26, 2014. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $500 or more

A pair of the best tickets in the house! You and a guest will attend NYC Opera's production of BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE at St. Ann's Warehouse, on March 7, 9, 11, 13, or 15, 2014. Tickets will be held at will call and performance dates are subject to availability. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $750 or more

Entry for two to private evening hosted at the NYC Opera Thrift Shop, attended by NYC Opera Artistic Director George Steel, NYC Opera Music Director Jayce Ogren and NYC Opera artists. PLUS downloadable desktop wallpaper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $1,000 or more

Entry for two to a NYC Opera class. Whether you are new to opera or a true aficionado there is always something to learn! PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $1,500 or more

Entry for two to an NYC Opera Class and your own copy of NYC Opera's newly commissioned score of J.C. Bach's ENDIMIONE, autographed by the artistic team for this opera, never before performed in the United States. PLUS downloadable desktop wall paper and special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $2,500 or more

Two tickets to the NYC Opera Fall Gala, celebrating the partnership between opera and fashion, with artistic chair Jay Scheib, Director of NYC Opera's POWDER HER FACE. The event is on November 12, 2013 in New York City. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $3,000 or more

Two tickets to the NYC Opera Spring Gala, on Thursday, April 24, 2014. The evening begins with a performance of Mozart's THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO at New York City Center and concludes with a spectacular black-tie dinner with the artists. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $5,000 or more

Entry for two to the final dress rehearsal of an NYC Opera 2013-2014 Season production and admittance to a Council Talk, a panel discussion between Artistic Director George Steel and members of the production creative team. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $7,500 or more

Shadow an artistic team member and attend a final dress rehearsal for an NYC Opera 2013-2014 Season opera. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $10,000

Conducting lesson with NYC Opera Music Director Jayce Ogren and entry to orchestra rehearsal of a 2013-2014 Season production. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $10,000

Shadow an artistic team member and attend a final dress rehearsal for an NYC Opera 2013-14 Season opera AND receive special thanks in a curtain speech at one of the 2013-2014 Season performances. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $10,000

Walk-on role in NYC Opera performance of J.C. Bach's ENDIMIONE with unique score autographed by artistic team and cast. PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Pledge $10,000

Throw an opera party in your own home or workplace. We will provide NYC Opera singer, pianist and 30 minute program; you provide the space and friends (subject to approval of mutually-agreed upon date and place). PLUS special thanks on our web donor wall.

Project success

Even in an urgent situation, $1 million is a big ask for an arts project. On October 1, 2013, the company announced that it would file for bankruptcy, citing an inability to raise sufficient funding to continue the 2013-2014 season. The company's last production was the U.S. premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's Anna Nicole. In an article in the New York Times music critic Anthony Tommasini notes one of the reasons for the company's failure (as well as relating it to other failed arts organizations):

“In short, artistic excellence is not enough. Any institution, big or small, old or new, must have a clear artistic vision, a purpose that connects with audiences and the community. But the performing arts have never been profit-making endeavors. It is more important than ever that all institutions, from a fledgling string quartet to the lofty Metropolitan Opera, have an effective business model.”