About | Opera Essentia

Opera Essentia’s mission is to provide under-reached communities with one of history's most transfixing art forms. We curate the largely unknown works of Handel, arguably the most important composer for the voice, into approachable performances in NYC gardens, parks, and other neighborhood gathering centers.

Access

We bring opera “outside”– literally outdoors, but more importantly, liberated from traditional venues. Contrasting opera’s usually expensive and exclusionary productions, we offer ours free of charge in Alphabet City, Harlem, Crown Heights, and other locales with little exposure to baroque music.

Inclusion

Delivered in a concise One Act experience, and performed by a diverse company of world-class musicians, we expose new listeners to neglected works by the composer of Messiah.

Impact

Handel's deeply expressive writing for the human voice reaches the pinnacle of emotion in art. Opera Essentia presents this vital music on visceral “gut string” instruments, providing a transformational experience that ALL can enjoy.