In 1988, Yves Abel and Susan Melvoin, both born to French émigrés parents, founded Opéra Français de New York. It was begun on a shoestring with the simple idea of presenting little-known French operas to New York audiences. But Yves Abel’s gifted leadership and inspired choices of collaborators quickly turned the little company into one of the most valued constituents of the New York opera scene. The artistic quality and popular appeal of the performances attracted a more diverse audience with each new season, and the company quickly appeared in the most diverse and prestigious venues of the city. Now in its 16th season, Opéra Français de New York has produced 29 operas in a large variety of performance styles ranging from fully staged works to concert versions.

A New Way to See Opera

Under the guidance of music director and conductor Yves Abel, and co-artistic directors Jean-Philippe Clarac and Olivier Deloeuil, Opéra Français de New York will keep focusing on innovative programming: The rediscovery of important neglected French operas will remain our major concern. But our future plans also include all kinds of musical programs that will help revitalizing the experience of live opera. Through this approach to French repertory and opera performance, Opéra Français de New York, now a respected contributor to the operatic life of the city, will continue to develop creative methods and artistic collaborations which emphasize the theatricality of its productions… bringing New York audiences a new way to see opera.