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Opera Essentia’s mission is to bring under-reached communities 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 exclusive 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 perfectly conveys character and emotion through deeply expressive writing for the human voice. Opera Essentia presents this vital music on visceral “gut string” instruments, providing a transformational experience that ALL can enjoy.

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Our Team

Artistic Director: Jeffrey Mandelbaum


  Co-Stage Director/Project Coordinator: Rod Gomez

                    Company Advisor: Hannah Arie-Gaifman

Executive Producer: Marty Jeiven


Website Design and Management: Heather Bobeck

Graphic Design: Millaray Quiroga

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Our Artists
 

Teresa Castillo, Soprano

 

Jeffrey Mandelbaum, Countertenor

Katherine Lerner Lee, Soprano

Kristin Renee Young, Soprano

Nicoletta Berry, Soprano

Hans Tashjian, Bass

         

Harpsichord: Rebecca Pechefsky   

       

First Violin: Amelia Sie


Second Violin: Ryan Cheng

        

Viola: Kristina Giles  

     

Cello: Serafim Smigelskiy

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Advisory Council

                   Marty Jeiven             Hanna Arie-Gaifman

 

Linda Monssen [In Memoriam]                  Ann Mandelbaum                  Wiebke Moore

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Join our Mailing List!

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Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or for support/volunteer opportunities.

Thanks for reaching out!

Donate by Mail:

 

You can send a check, made out to "Gotham Early Music Scene", BUT write "For Opera Essentia" on the memo line.

 

Mail to: 340 Riverside Drive Suite 1-A, New York, NY 10025

© 2023 by Opera Essentia. Design: Heather Bobeck

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