Teatro Nuovo

Teatro Nuovo is an innovative organization dedicated to the advanced interpretation of classic Italian opera, with a particular focus on the Bel Canto period. Founded as a continuation and expansion of the Bel Canto at Caramoor program, which operated from 1997 to 2017, Teatro Nuovo has gained international recognition for its revivals of operas by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and Verdi. It has also been instrumental in training over 500 young singers, many of whom have gone on to achieve prominence on the global stage. The organization made its debut in July 2018 with a nine-day festival and a six-week training program, featuring semi-staged concert performances of Rossini's "Tancredi" and Mayr's "Medea in Corinto," along with an array of concerts, recitals, lectures, and public master-classes. Teatro Nuovo distinguishes itself by employing historically-informed performing styles and orchestral instruments from the era, which was a first for 19th-century opera in America. Teatro Nuovo's mission is threefold: to revive overlooked Bel Canto masterpieces and provide fresh interpretations of well-known works; to combine virtuoso singing with period-appropriate performance practices; and to educate young musicians in the skills necessary to bring this vibrant repertoire to life. The ensemble aims to build a stable performing group from its summer program alumni to deliver engaging Bel Canto interpretations to audiences around the world. The name "Teatro Nuovo," which translates to "new theater" in Italian, encapsulates the organization's goals and methodologies. The term "Teatro" is used despite the ensemble's focus on concert performances to emphasize that the essence of operatic drama is in its music and expression, which must be convincing to bring the "theater of opera" to life. "Nuovo" reflects the belief that re-examining the past can propel the arts forward, echoing Verdi's advice to "return to the old, and it will be progress." The Italian name pays homage to the origins of all Western musical theater forms, which trace back to Italy's creation of opera, and acknowledges the internationalization of Italian culture. Teatro Nuovo also places importance on its Young Artist Program, which nurtures upcoming talent, and the organization regularly features Artist Profiles to showcase the individuals involved. The company offers a variety of performances, including notable works like "Poliuto" and "Crispino e la Comare," and engages with its audience through videos, recordings, and educational content such as the Bel Canto Collection and Record of the Week series. Located at Purchase College, Teatro Nuovo is a vibrant addition to the arts community, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the dawn of Romantic opera through historically-informed performances. The organization invites support from patrons and opera enthusiasts to continue its mission of bringing the rich heritage of Bel Canto opera into the 21st century.