New York City Opera, known as "The People's Opera," continues its historic mission of inspiring audiences with innovative opera productions, nurturing promising American artists, and building new audiences through affordable ticket prices and extensive outreach programs. Founded in 1943 by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, City Opera has been a critical part of New York City's cultural life, launching the careers of renowned artists and presenting engaging productions across mainstream and unusual operas. The company maintains a distinct identity by prioritizing affordable tickets, American works, English-language performances, and promoting upcoming American singers.

With a long history of inclusion and diversity, City Opera reopened in 2016 and has since showcased outstanding productions, including world premieres, revivals, and rarely heard works. Operating from a state-of-the-art home at Jazz at Lincoln Center, City Opera continues to inspire a new generation of audiences through outreach and education programs