George Steel Keeping City Opera Afloat and Affordable

After a canceled season, an expensive renovation, and a runaway General Director, New York City Opera is back with a new season which opened this week. George Steel, 43 year-old former manager of Columbia University's Miller Theater, left Dallas Opera after only four months to take over the troubled City Opera.  Since February, he has raised $14 million dollars and overseen the much-needed renovation of the New York State Theater that will greatly improve the acoustics.

Although the season has only five shows (down from 16 in past years) and the operating budget is greatly reduced, they are staying committed to Mayor LaGuardia's vision of affordable tickets by selling around a quarter of them for $25 or less.

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--Leah