Nickel City Opera

About Nickel City Opera Nickel City Opera (NCO) is a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to producing full-scale operatic performances in Western New York. Founded in 2004, NCO is recognized as a 501(c)(3) entity, committed to presenting high-quality operas complete with elaborate costumes, intricate sets, and a full orchestra. The organization has established itself as a cultural gem within the region, offering audiences the chance to experience professional opera without the need to travel to major metropolitan cities. The foundation of NCO's success lies in the vision and expertise of its Founder and Artistic Director, Valerian Ruminski. Leveraging his extensive network within the opera community and his own experience as an opera and concert performer, Ruminski has been instrumental in casting NCO's productions with exceptional talent. This approach has allowed Western New York audiences to enjoy performances by artists they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see. Under the administrative leadership of Executive Director Eileen Breen, Managing Director Suzanne Fatta, and Production Director Steve Vaughan, alongside a dedicated Board of Directors, NCO has consistently delivered performances that offer significant value to its patrons. Valerian Ruminski has emphasized the organization's commitment to maintaining affordable ticket prices while ensuring that each show is of the highest quality, featuring professional singers and musicians. NCO's productions have consistently received positive reviews from local media, highlighting the organization's ability to surprise and delight audiences in a region known for its rich artistic culture. The company made a remarkable debut with its first opera, "The Barber of Seville," in June 2009 at the Riviera Theatre, receiving high praise from the Buffalo News. The following year, NCO presented "Rigoletto," which led to the Buffalo News proclaiming, "Magnificent Rigoletto proves Nickel City Opera is For Real." Over the years, NCO has expanded its repertoire to include a variety of operatic masterpieces such as "Il Trovatore," "La Boheme," "Don Pasquale," "Il Tabarro," "Amahl and the Night Visitors," "Tosca," and "The Marriage of Figaro." Notably, NCO also produced the World Premiere of "SHOT" by Persis Vehar, an opera centered on the assassination of President McKinley, staged at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. As it celebrated its 15th anniversary, NCO continued to build upon its legacy of artistic excellence. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of bringing opera to diverse audiences, including both seasoned opera enthusiasts and new generations of opera-goers. Through acclaimed performances, innovative fundraising efforts, and community outreach, Nickel City Opera looks forward to a future filled with artistic achievements and sustained community support in Western New York.