Join us for a special episode on Opera in New York, exploring not only its history but some of its current magic!

My guests will be Michael Capasso, General Director of the New York City Opera; Greg Trupiano, who when he is not leading the Walt Whitman Project here in New York is the Director of Artistic Administration of Florida’s Sarasota Opera; and Eric Einhorn, General & Artistic Director of New York’s avant-garde and trailblazing On Site Opera.

Segment 1

Jeff started off the show by introducing the history of the opera in New York City. Jeff introduces his first two guests, Michael Capasso, and Greg Trupiano. He then talks about the background of them. Jeff then asks how Michael how did he get into work with the New York City Opera. Michael comes from an Italian family and he used to listen to a famous singer’s song when he was young and he also read a book about the singer by then he was inspired. Then Jeff asks his second guest, Greg Trupiano. Greg talks about how the Garcia family came to New York to produce the Italian Opera.

Segment 2

Jeff continues to ask about the history of opera in New York. Michael talks about a very famous company that started in the 18th century, the Metropolitan Opera House. The wealthy businessmen built the Metropolitan Opera House. They are able to gather the most famous opera singers to perform in the Metropolitan Opera House. Then he talks about the New York City Opera being “people’s opera” because it was popular with its new price and its features appeal to the immigrant population.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his third guest, Eric Einhorn. Jeff asks Eric how did he get into Opera. Eric got into Opera when he was in high school, he started as a singer and he also got the chance to directed his first opera in high school. He then studied singing and directing in Oberlin Conservatory. He thinks that performing isn’t for him. Eric then talks about the most interesting projects that he is in.

Segment 4

Jeff and Eric start their conversation back up again about how Eric wanted to produce Opera and create performances. Eric talks about how he got investors in his small budding Opera business, and how they kicked off the performances with a small 12 minute show in the Bronx Zoo. Both Jeff and Eric talk about on-site Opera and the rich history New York Opera has. Eric continues about various pieces he has created for the MET. Eric continues about specific characters and types of pieces and characters that he has got inspiration from. Jeff asks about the production of an on-site Opera and Eric's favorite shows. Eric talks about a possible musical that he has coming up and an app that they have in production.