Season Eight.....we're still here!!!!

It is with a great deal of pride and gratitude that Chelsea Opera announces and looks forward to sharing SEASON EIGHT with all of its supporters and the many talented performers that cross our paths each and every day.

Lynne and Lee still spend endless hours cranking out the administrative work and wear the many hats that are necessary to keep the company vibrant...but they have had many wonderfully gifted and gracious people offer their time, talent and energy to the cause. How interesting it is to think back to 2004 when Chelsea Opera was little more than a wishful whisper for two singers to bring some performing opportunities to the abundance of women singers in NYC with a shoe string production of Suor Angelica.

We were able, with the assistance of a wonderful group of talent on the stage and behind the scenes, to bring to life an honest and worthy opera production that left people asking what we were going to do next!! NEXT!!! Well, we had no idea that there ever would be a ...NEXT...and here we are: Season Eight...with a history of 2 productions per season and a world premiere in the midst. Sounds like despite the bumps and bruises of these challenging times, we actually have a company worthy of remaining on the scene... and so we shall.

Thank you to each and every person that has crossed our company path. Whether it has been as a performer, production person, audience member or avid supporter, each of you have been a special part in making it possible for two singers with a dream to make magic happen in your own backyard.

The Chelsea Opera music is all around you......all you have to do is listen and come experience the magic.

Auditioning Protocol and Etiquette

Competition for singers in the opera business today is probably higher than it has ever been. This is due in part to the economic challenges of our time which have caused many companies to close their doors. Professional opportunities available to singers are far fewer than ever before with many more singers vying for each opening. It is also due in part to the huge changes in the industry standards and trends as to what is being looked for in a singer. Having just completed our latest rounds of auditions for our November 12 to 15, 2009 production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, we have noticed a very large range of discrepancies when it comes to how singers present themselves in the audition process. There are many important factors that come into play. Being singers and performers ourselves we have become very familiar with what occurs on both sides of the fence. With all of the experience accumulated we have drawn some conclusions on how singers may be missing some very important chances to make the most of their "8 minute" audition performance and capitalize on that opportunity.



We would like to share some of our experiences and invite others to join in the dialogue. We hope that the discussions that follow will assist singers as they prepare for their next auditions. With so little time to make a great impression, every single moment and every action makes a difference.

stay tuned.........

reaching the masses..........

As we excitedly enter our 6th season of producing intimate and authentic opera in NYC, we look forward to presenting a seasonal favorite in November 2009 of Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti. This simple and poignant one act opera was the very first opera that was written and produced to reach the masses through the media of television with its debut in the 1950's. It is a touching story that still holds true today and is certainly well worth taking in again and again. This opera is easy to understand in its original English and is told from the perspective of a child. Mr. Menotti brought much of his personal memories and experiences into making this opera so very special. From his own physical problems to his treasured memories of family, giving and faith. If you are looking for a true, honest and beautiful encounter with opera, this story and music will certainly warm your heart.




It is a continuing challenge for small companies such as ours to reach the masses and draw in the audiences and support that are needed to keep a company afloat. There is so much to be gained, especially in these most difficult times, by immersing ourselves in the simplest forms of beauty that are all around us. Music is on the top of that list! It has a way of melting away barriers, erasing differences, and uniting so many.




No matter what your thoughts are regarding opera or whatever preconceived feelings you have about this genre of music, why not allow yourself to be taken in by the story, the message and the music of this special, timeless opera.


What can a small company do to reach the masses and get the word out to entice the public to try a taste of opera. We are sure that they will enjoy and return to experience other operas. What people may have considered as "high brow" and inaccessible to the average person will quite possibly take on a much more acceptable and favorable tone. Taking the first step....discussing how to get people to come and experience this wonderful art form is key.