Nickel City Opera

The opera company NCO,{{cite news| author=Opera America| title=Nickel City Opera| url=https://www.operaamerica.org/membership-directory/16854/Nickel_City_Opera | work=Opera America| date=March 17, 2004 | access-date=January 5, 2025}} was founded in 2004 by opera singer Valerian Ruminski, composer Persis Vehar, and pianist William Hicks.{{cite web | url=https://rct.doj.ca.gov/Verification/Web/Details.aspx?result=1ba5eba6-18dd-4223-8134-ba1e7d074201 | title=Verification }}{{cite news | title=Spotlight: Valerian Ruminski of Nickel City Opera | url=https://www.dailypublic.com/articles/11072017/spotlight-valerian-ruminski-nickel-city-opera | work=dailypublic.com | date=8 November 2017| access-date=1 March 2025}}{{cite news| last=Randall |first=Mike | title=Nickel City Opera opens 14th season with Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' | url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/nickel-city-opera-opens-14th-season-with-rossinis-the-barber-of-seville | work=Niagara Gazette | date=21 June 2023 | access-date=28 February 2025}}{{cite news| last=Jezioro |first=Jan | title=Classically Speaking / Nickel City Opera Bounces Back | url=https://www.buffalospree.com/arts_entertainment/classically-speaking-nickel-city-opera-bounces-back/article_1920d898-1598-5ca7-bf7b-78f3205f9cf9.html | work=buffalospree.com | date=30 April 2019 | access-date=1 March 2025}} The NCO has commissioned operas, and has staged some world premieres of notable musical works.{{cite news| author=Frank Housh | title=Sotto Voce Vocal Collective's The Second Sight | url=https://www.buffalospree.com/arts_entertainment/music/sotto-voce-vocal-collective-s-the-second-sight/article_89d282a6-d828-11eb-a1bb-13e6e256a7e7.html| work=buffalospree.com | date=January 28, 2022 | access-date=February 17, 2025}} The NCO has produced a wide range of works from different periods.{{cite news| author=Bracely Dawn | title=Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/classical-continued-success-for-bpo-nickel-city-opera/article_706824fc-4b25-53ef-bdb0-da260f0d4222.html| work=buffalonews.com | date=February 16, 2016 | access-date=January 15, 2025}}

It produced its first opera, Rossini's The Barber of Seville,{{cite news| title=Meet our Singers: Valerian Ruminski, Don Magnifico | url=https://www.seattleoperablog.com/2013/01/meet-our-singers-valerian-ruminski-don.html| work=seattleoperablog.com | date=25 January 2013| access-date=27 February 2025}} in June 2009 at the Riviera Theatre, followed by a production of Verdi's Rigoletto.{{cite news| last=Jezioro |first=Jan | title=Classically Speaking / Nickel City Opera Bounces Back |url=https://www.buffalospree.com/arts_entertainment/classically-speaking-nickel-city-opera-bounces-back/article_1920d898-1598-5ca7-bf7b-78f3205f9cf9.html | work=buffalospree.com | date=30 April 2019 | access-date=1 March 2025}}{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=NCO on a - What else? - 5-year winning streak | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/nickel-city-opera-on-a-what-else-5-year-winning-streak/article_fb799bbf-fa1b-5cdb-bd99-16d8628ad99a.html?fbclid=IwAR38o713pV5uXNSFWMS42MxE1uo3iGn5KrZsu_iFFxL2o4TTntSfn10z5ec | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 24, 2013 | access-date=August 24, 2023}}{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=NCO on a - What else? - 5-year winning streak | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/nickel-city-opera-on-a-what-else-5-year-winning-streak/article_fb799bbf-fa1b-5cdb-bd99-16d8628ad99a.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 24, 2013 | access-date=August 23, 2024}} The NCO has collaborated with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and musicians from Buffalo.{{cite news| author=Frank Parlato | title=Former Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/classical-continued-success-for-bpo-nickel-city-opera/article_706824fc-4b25-53ef-bdb0-da260f0d4222.htm | work=buffalonews.com | date=January 4, 2013 | access-date=February 15, 2025}}{{cite news| author=Bracely Dawn | title=Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/nickel-city-opera-on-a-what-else-5-year-winning-streak/article_fb799bbf-fa1b-5cdb-bd99-16d8628ad99a.html | work=buffalonews.com | date=February 16, 2016 | access-date=January 29, 2025}}

Other productions include Il trovatore,{{cite news| author=Jan Jezioro | title=Il Trovatore at The Riviera Theatre - NC Opera Buffalo launches its third season with big plans | url=http://artvoice.net/issues/v10n24/classical_music_notes.html | work=Artvoice | date=June 15, 2011 | access-date=April 8, 2015}} La Bohème,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=With all the right touches, N C Opera does justice to La Bohème | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/with-all-the-right-touches-nickel-city-opera-does-justice-to-la-boheme/article_4ac9e807-76f4-5805-9c23-fcf05d0d1092.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=July 2, 2012 | access-date=September 17, 2018}} La Traviata,{{cite news| author=Michael Rabice | title=La Traviata at NCO Buffalo | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/07/arts/music/new-york-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.html | work=Broadway World | date=February 5, 2019 | access-date=October 3, 2024}} Carmen,{{cite news |author=Edmonton Opera |date=March 2, 2017 |title=Edmonton Opera program - Biography Robert Clark |url=https://issuu.com/suggitt/docs/eo_elektra/35 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |work=issuu.com}} I Pagliacci,{{cite news |author=Mary Kunz Goldman |date=June 6, 2011 |title=Opera on the upswing; while other opera companies are floundering, Nickel City Opera flourishes by thinking outside the box |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/opera-on-the-upswing-while-other-opera-companies-are-floundering-nickel-city-opera-flourishes-by/article_584617c5-0047-5b33-b3fa-79df3433f4aa.html |access-date=December 28, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News }} Don Pasquale,{{cite news | author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Nickel City Opera's 'Don Pasquale' is a rare treat | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/nickel-city-opera-s-don-pasquale-is-a-rare-treat/article_7dbf9bf2-8bd9-530a-89f8-4994824074ab.html?fbclid=IwAR1EzTkCXyp3EiUGWtS3iwKT4nW1Qfg8VCDZ1r9PWATOoMRUjpgnvimwfD4 | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 27, 2013 | access-date=July 6, 2013}} Rigoletto,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Magnificent Rigoletto proves NC Opera is for real | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/magnificent-rigoletto-proves-nickel-city-opera-is-for-real/article_ec6e17dc-78e5-5027-b178-493123538701.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 27, 2010 | access-date=July 28, 2020}} Tosca,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=NC Opera Buffalo gives depth to dark masterpiece | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/article_6390eebf-82bc-50a2-9bf5-72924ffd53cc.html | work= The Buffalo News | date=June 27, 2014 | access-date=January 23, 2022}} Il tabarro,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Setting enhances sultry drama of 'Il tabarro'; Brilliant NC Opera Buffalo cast stages Puccini's steamy opera | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/setting-enhances-sultry-drama-of-il-tabarro-brilliant-nickel-city-cast-stages-puccinis-steamy-opera/article_cff1c4ad-f62d-5a62-9dbe-f98a2f5988f4.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=July 3, 2011 | access-date=September 8, 2020}} Der Schauspieldirektor,{{cite news| title=W. A. Mozart - The Impresario | url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2017/04/opera-on-the-uss-little-rock-and-a-masterclass-with-maestro-matthias-manasi/ | work=Buffalorising | date=May 26, 2017 | access-date=October 18, 2018}}{{cite news | title=Matthias Manasi-The Impresario by W.A. Mozart | url=https://ampoleagle.com/silos-are-venue-for-echoes-of-opera-iii-p11002-97.htm | work=The Am-Pol Eagle | date=June 1, 2017 | access-date=November 7, 2017}} Le Nozze di Figaro,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=NC Opera Buffalo's The Marriage of Figaro is a magical mix | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/nickel-city-opera-s-the-marriage-of-figaro-is-a-magical-mix/article_2ae41d7c-8d92-5d47-9a79-f93cc339c995.html| work=The Buffalo News | date=June 27, 2015 | access-date=March 24, 2023}}{{cite news| author=Eileen Buckley | title=NCO: The Marriage of Figaro|url=https://www.wbfo.org/arts-culture/2015-06-25/nickel-city-opera-the-marriage-of-figaro | work=WBFO | date=June 25, 2015 | access-date=July 17, 2016}} La Traviata,{{cite news| author=Michael Rabice | title=La Traviata at NCO Buffalo | url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/article/BWW-Preview-LA-TRAVIATA-at-Nickel-City-Opera-20190215 | work=Broadway World | date=February 5, 2019 | access-date=October 3, 2022}} The Barber of Seville,{{cite news| author=Frank Housh | title=The Nickel City Opera Triumphs With A Slapstick Romp Through Rossini's Classic Opera Buffa | url=https://breakingdownthelaw.substack.com/p/opera-review-nickel-city-operas-production | work=Breakingdownthelaw | date=July 23, 2023| access-date=July 23, 2023}} Amahl and the Night Visitors,{{cite news| author=Ed Adamczyk | title=NC Opera Buffalo presents Amahl and the Night Visitors | url=https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/lifestyles/nickel-city-opera-presents-amahl-and-the-night-visitors-one-last-time/article_a7c3c23d-490c-50f3-8da5-73cd2dfe3b2c.html | work=Niagara Gazette | date=November 28, 2013 | access-date=November 4, 2019}} Shot by Persis Vehar{{cite news |author=Michael Rabice |date=May 16, 2016 |title=Shot! A World Premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/BWW-Previews-SHOT-A-WORLD-PREMIERE-presented-by-NICKEL-CITY-OPERA-AT-SHEAS-BUFFALO-THEATRE-20160516 |access-date=March 24, 2024 |work=Broadway World}} and The Music Shop by Richard Wargo.{{cite news | title=N C Opera Buffalo-The Music Shop | url=http://www.dailypublic.com/articles/11072017/spotlight-valerian-ruminski-nickel-city-opera | work=Daily Public | date=November 8, 2017 | access-date=October 2, 2019}}

In 2010 and for the subsequent four years, the NCO presented Gian Carlo Menotti's Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Riviera Theatre and in the Westminster Presbyterian Church (Buffalo, New York).{{cite news | title=NC Opera Buffalo - Star of wonder with 'Amahl and the Night Visitors' | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/star-of-wonder-with-amahl-and-the-night-visitors/article_86540aa5-a027-58e8-951a-5c247b1c36ef.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=January 6, 2016 | access-date=September 20, 2017}}

In 2011, as a special cultural event, NCO presented a production of Il tabarro by Giacomo Puccini, directed by Henry Akina on board the United States Navy warship {{USS|The Sullivans|DD-537}}, a decommissioned {{sclass|Fletcher|destroyer}} and one of Buffalo's landmarks, which serves as a museum ship and is anchored at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, New York.{{cite news| author=Mark Sommer | title=Shipshape opera performances on deck; Naval Park provides stage for 'Il Tabarro' | url=https://buffalonews.com/article_3f346404-3445-5cdc-9a75-d5daccdefc5b.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=July 1, 2011 | access-date=December 17, 2018}} The {{USS|The Sullivans|DD-537}} has served as an integral part of the staging.{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=NCO on a - What else? - 5-year winning streak | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/nickel-city-opera-on-a-what-else-5-year-winning-streak/article_fb799bbf-fa1b-5cdb-bd99-16d8628ad99a.html?fbclid=IwAR38o713pV5uXNSFWMS42MxE1uo3iGn5KrZsu_iFFxL2o4TTntSfn10z5ec | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 24, 2013 | access-date=August 24, 2023}}{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Setting enhances sultry drama of 'Il tabarro'; Brilliant Nickel City Opera cast stages Puccini's steamy opera on the deck of the USS The Sullivans | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/setting-enhances-sultry-drama-of-il-tabarro-brilliant-nickel-city-cast-stages-puccinis-steamy-opera/article_cff1c4ad-f62d-5a62-9dbe-f98a2f5988f4.html | work=buffalonews.com | date=July 3, 2011 | access-date=March 8, 2025}}

For the premiere production of Shot!, in 2016, the role of President William McKinley was sung by Valerian Ruminski, the role of Ida McKinley was sung by Marieterese Magisano with John Packard as Leon Czolgosz, Michele Capalbo as Emma Goldman and Fred Furnari as Buffalo Police Superintendent Bull, the Nickel City Opera Chorus and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.{{cite news | author=Mary Kunz Goldman| title=President McKinley is a hearty character in opera premiere| url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/president-mckinley-is-a-hearty-character-in-opera-premiere/article_ffe047f7-9fdb-5673-9f06-223d37ee4472.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 11, 2016| access-date=June 13, 2016}} The sets re-created scenes from the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, with 40-foot projections of original 1901 Edison footage of the exposition, and rare historic photos.{{cite news| author=Sharon Cantillon | title=Nickel City Opera rehearses 'Shot!' | url=https://buffalonews.com/multimedia/nickel-city-opera-rehearses-shot/collection_6c828f92-a3b7-5519-8616-d3e5e74073dd.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 17, 2016 | access-date= June 24, 2016}}{{cite news |title=The Paper Print Film Collection at the Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/collections/mckinley-and-the-pan-american-expo-films-1901/articles-and-essays/president-mckinley-and-the-panamerican-exposition-of-1901/?fbclid=IwAR3KVdTtC1Q2MnkK6MkH0lQJjUK9E6m44tJFqjwRBjnkJhzOF-lWhCCLEdw |work=Library of Congress |date=July 11, 2008 |access-date=October 8, 2023}}{{cite news | author=Emily Morrow |title=On Our Radar: An Opera in Buffalo, About Buffalo, for Buffalo |url=https://stepoutbuffalo.com/nickel-city-opera-radar-shot/ |work=stepoutbuffalo.com |date=2 June 2016 |access-date=8 March 2025}}

In 2017, Matthias Manasi took over the musical direction of the NCO and was appointed the new music director and principal conductor. In 2017, Matthias Manasi conducted a production of Der Schauspieldirektor by Mozart, with particular attention to historically informed performance practice which was appreciated by critics.{{cite news| author=Aryeh Oron | title=Matthias Manasi (Conductor, Piano) | url=https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Manasi-Matthias.htm | work=Bach Cantatas Website | date=April 28, 2022 | access-date=April 7, 2023}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCO was unable to produce opera at Shea's Performing Arts Center as of March 2020.{{cite news |title=Shea's Performing Arts Center announces reopening, new dates for Broadway Series |url=https://www.wkbw.com/open/sheas-performing-arts-center-announces-reopening-new-dates-for-broadway-series |work=wkbw.com |date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=April 29, 2021}} A production of Aida planned for August 7 to 29, 2021 at Artpark at Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.{{cite news| author=Aryeh Oron | title=Matthias Manasi (Conductor, Pianist) | url=https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Manasi-Matthias.htm | work=Bach Cantatas Website | date=August 21, 2022 | access-date=August 29, 2022}} In June 2023 NCO reprised its

inaugural production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville.{{cite news | title=Nickel City Opera presents Rossini's The Barber of Seville | url=https://www.wnyfamilymagazine.com/events/nickel-city-opera-presents-rossini-s-the-barber-seville/ | work=wnyfamilymagazine.com | date=June 24, 2023 | access-date=January 30, 2025}}

In sum, the NCO has been producing a wide range of works, from 18th-century Baroque and 19th-century Bel canto to the Minimalism of the 20th century and to contemporary operas of the 20th and 21st centuries.{{cite news |author=Bracely Dawn |title=Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/classical-continued-success-for-bpo-nickel-city-opera/article_706824fc-4b25-53ef-bdb0-da260f0d4222.html |work=buffalonews.com |date=February 16, 2016 |access-date=January 15, 2025}} These operas have been presented in staged productions which ranged in style from those with elaborate traditional decors to others that feature modern conceptual designs. The NCO has collaborated with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Nickel City Opera on a – What else? – 5-year winning streak | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/nickel-city-opera-on-a-what-else-5-year-winning-streak/article_fb799bbf-fa1b-5cdb-bd99-16d8628ad99a.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=24 June 2013 | access-date=29 January 2025}}{{cite news| author=Dawn Bracely | title=Former Classical: Continued success for BPO, Nickel City Opera | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/classical-continued-success-for-bpo-nickel-city-opera/article_706824fc-4b25-53ef-bdb0-da260f0d4222.htm | work=The Buffalo News | date=4 January 2013 | access-date=15 February 2025}}{{cite news| author=Michael Rabice | title=Shot! A World Premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre | url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/BWW-Previews-SHOT-A-WORLD-PREMIERE-presented-by-NICKEL-CITY-OPERA-AT-SHEAS-BUFFALO-THEATRE-20160516 | work=broadwayworld.com | date=16 May 2016 | access-date=18 May 2017}}{{cite news | author=Mary Kunz Goldman| title=President McKinley is a hearty character in opera premiere| url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/president-mckinley-is-a-hearty-character-in-opera-premiere/article_ffe047f7-9fdb-5673-9f06-223d37ee4472.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=11 June 2016| access-date=12 March 2025}}{{cite news| author=Sharon Cantillon | title=Nickel City Opera rehearses 'Shot!' | url=https://buffalonews.com/multimedia/nickel-city-opera-rehearses-shot/collection_6c828f92-a3b7-5519-8616-d3e5e74073dd.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=17 June 2016 | access-date= 24 February 2025}}{{cite news| title=NCO's original opera Shot! |url=https://www.wbfo.org/arts-culture/2016-06-10/nickel-citys-original-opera-shot |work=wbfo.org |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=28 August 2023}}

Opera singers who have performed at the Nickel City Opera include: Adam Klein,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=With all the right touches, NC Opera Buffalo does justice to La Bohème | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/with-all-the-right-touches-nickel-city-opera-does-justice-to-la-boheme/article_4ac9e807-76f4-5805-9c23-fcf05d0d1092.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=February 16, 2016 | access-date=January 3, 2025}} Victoria Livengood,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Opera on the upswing; while other opera companies are floundering, NC Opera Buffalo flourishes by thinking outside the box | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/opera-on-the-upswing-while-other-opera-companies-are-floundering-nickel-city-opera-flourishes-by/article_584617c5-0047-5b33-b3fa-79df3433f4aa.html | work=

The Buffalo News | date=June 21, 2011 | access-date=January 2, 2012}} Valerian Ruminski,{{cite news |author=Michael Rabice |title=Shot! A world premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/BWW-Previews-SHOT-A-WORLD-PREMIERE-presented-by-NICKEL-CITY-OPERA-AT-SHEAS-BUFFALO-THEATRE-20160516 |work=Broadway World |date=May 16, 2016 |access-date=October 22, 2024}} Eric Fenell,{{cite news| author=Maki Becker | title=Amid latest wave of Covid-19, the show will go on, just a little later | url=https://richmond.com/article_064f9652-8b29-5ea0-99c8-6cea83bc24ed.html | work=Richmond Times-Dispatch | date=June 6, 2022 | access-date=January 1, 2025}} Eduardo Villa,{{cite news| author=Jan Jezioro | title=Il Trovatore at The Riviera Theatre - Nickel City Opera launches its third season with big plans | url=http://artvoice.net/issues/v10n24/classical_music_notes.html | work=Artvoice | date=June 15, 2011 | access-date=April 8, 2015}} Michele Capalbo,{{cite news| author=Calgary Opera | title=Calgary Opera program - Turandot - Michele Capalbo, Soprano - Turandot | url=https://issuu.com/suggitt/docs/co_turandot/22 | work=Calgary Opera | date=March 30, 2017 | access-date=January 2, 2024}} Marc Freiman,{{cite news| author=Mary Kunz Goldman | title=Lockport native with an international career brings an extra twist to Mozart | url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/lockport-native-with-international-career-brings-an-extra-twist-to-mozart/article_84f9cf13-664a-5491-a16d-8176e6bf4f92.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 27, 2015 | access-date=January 2, 2025}} Ray Chenez,{{cite news | title=Staatstheater Nürnberg-Ray Chenez | url=https://www.staatstheater-nuernberg.de/kuenstler/ray-chenez | work=Staatstheater Nürnberg Official site | date=November 2, 2022 | access-date=August 1, 2023}}{{cite news| author=Aryeh Oron | title=Ray Chenez (Countertenor) | url=https://www-bach--cantatas-com.translate.goog/Bio/Chenez-Ray.htm?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=de&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp | work=Bach Cantatas Website | date=May 12, 2022 | access-date=July 8, 2023}} Zulimar López-Hernández,{{cite news| title=Arizona Opera Cast Members & Creatives - Zulimar López-Hernández | url=https://azopera.org/about/cast-members/zulimar-l%C3%B3pez-hern%C3%A1ndez | date=May 10, 2023 | access-date=September 16, 2023}}{{cite news | title=Minnesota Opera - Biography Zulimar López-Hernández | url=https://mnopera.org/biography/zulimar-lopez-hernandez/ | date=February 2, 2023 | access-date=February 17, 2023}} John Packard,{{cite news| title=NC Opera Buffalo focus examines historic themes 115 years later | url=https://ampoleagle.com/opera-with-buffalo-focus-examines-historic-themes-years-later-p9840-97.htm | work=ampoleagle.com | date=April 8, 2016 | access-date=February 23, 2025}} James Wright,{{cite news| author=Gulfcoast Symphony | title=Biography James Wright-Figaro | url=https://gulfcoastsymphony.org/artists/james-wright/| work=gulcoastsymphony.org | date=18 April 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}{{cite news |title=Biography James Wright-Figaro | url=https://gulfcoastsymphony.org/artists/james-wright/ | work=Gulfcoast Symphony | date=April 16, 2023 | access-date=December 29, 2024}} David MacAdam,{{cite news| author=Ed Adamczyk | title=NC Opera Buffalo presents "Amahl and the Night Visitors" | url=https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/lifestyles/nickel-city-opera-presents-amahl-and-the-night-visitors-one-last-time/article_a7c3c23d-490c-50f3-8da5-73cd2dfe3b2c.html | work=Niagara Gazette | date=28 November 2013 | access-date=29 January 2025}} Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs,{{cite news| author=Mark Sommer | title=Shipshape opera performances on deck; Naval Park provides stage for 'Il Tabarro' | url=https://buffalonews.com/article_3f346404-3445-5cdc-9a75-d5daccdefc5b.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=July 1, 2011 | access-date=November 29, 2024}} and Marieterese Magisano.{{cite news| author=Frank Parlato | title=Premiere Of New Opera About The History Of Buffalo | url=https://artvoice.com/2016/06/shot-nickel-city-opera-lays-future-line-premiere-new-opera-history-buffalo/ | work=Artvoice | date=June 6, 2016 | access-date=August 13, 2023}}

In June 2016, the NCO produced the world premiere of Shot! composed by co-founder Persis Vehar with libretto by her daughter Gabrielle Vehar, about the assassination of President McKinley, which was staged at Shea's Performing Arts Center, with the involvement of Michael Ching, as a conductor, and David Grabarkewitz, as a stage director.{{cite news| author=Michael Rabice | title=Shot! A World Premiere presented by NCO at Shea's Buffalo Theatre | url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/BWW-Previews-SHOT-A-WORLD-PREMIERE-presented-by-NICKEL-CITY-OPERA-AT-SHEAS-BUFFALO-THEATRE-20160516 | work=Broadway World | date=May 16, 2016 | access-date=May 16, 2017}}{{cite news | author=Mary Kunz Goldman| title=President McKinley is a hearty character in opera premiere| url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/president-mckinley-is-a-hearty-character-in-opera-premiere/article_ffe047f7-9fdb-5673-9f06-223d37ee4472.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 11, 2016| access-date=June 13, 2016}}{{cite news| author=Sharon Cantillon | title=Nickel City Opera rehearses 'Shot!' | url=https://buffalonews.com/multimedia/nickel-city-opera-rehearses-shot/collection_6c828f92-a3b7-5519-8616-d3e5e74073dd.html | work=The Buffalo News | date=June 17, 2016 | access-date= June 24, 2016}}{{cite news | title=The Paper Print Film Collection at the Library of Congress | url=https://www.loc.gov/collections/mckinley-and-the-pan-american-expo-films-1901/articles-and-essays/president-mckinley-and-the-panamerican-exposition-of-1901/?fbclid=IwAR3KVdTtC1Q2MnkK6MkH0lQJjUK9E6m44tJFqjwRBjnkJhzOF-lWhCCLEdw | work=Library of Congress | date=July 11, 2008 | access-date=October 8, 2023}}{{cite news |title=NCO's original opera ShotT! |url=https://www.wbfo.org/arts-culture/2016-06-10/nickel-citys-original-opera-shot |work=wbfo.org |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=August 28, 2023}}

In June 2021, Sotto Voce Vocal Collective presented in cooperation with the Nickel City Opera the world premiere of the opera The Second Sight composed by Jessie Downs.{{cite news| title=Classical|url=https://www.cheektowagabee.com/articles/classical-62/ | work=cheektowagabee.com | date=June 25, 2021 | access-date=March 13, 2025}}{{cite news| author=Frank HoushJun | title=Sotto Voce Vocal Collective's The Second Sight - A new opera with spectacular performances | url=https://www.buffalospree.com/arts_entertainment/music/sotto-voce-vocal-collective-s-the-second-sight/article_89d282a6-d828-11eb-a1bb-13e6e256a7e7.html| work=buffalospree.com | date=June 28, 2021 | access-date=November 13, 2024}}{{cite news| author=Florida Department of State | title=Culture builds Florida - Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs | url=https://elizabethabaker.com/current-projects/stars-of-different-hues/the-creatives/jessie-downs/ | work=elizabethabaker.com | date=September 19, 2019 | access-date=December 18, 2022}}{{cite news| author=Opera America | title=Jessie Downs, Librettist |url=https://apps.operaamerica.org/applications/NAWD/people.aspx?lib=6844 | work=apps.operaamerica.org | date=October 21, 2021 | access-date=March 10, 2025}}

In May 2017, Opera America awarded Valerian Ruminski, artistic director of the Nickel City Opera, its annual Service Award which recognizes those who "promote opera in their communities and work tirelessly to ensure the highest possible artistic quality and community service." Marc A. Scorca, president and CEO of Opera America has said in the ceremony, which took place in Dallas:“On behalf of the staff and membership of Opera America, please accept my congratulations and thank you for your exceptional contribution to the field of opera.”{{cite news| title=Ruminski receives Opera America award, NCO prepares Roadshow Opera | url=https://ampoleagle.com/ruminski-receives-opera-america-award-nco-prepares-roadshow-opera-p10934-112.htm?fbclid=IwAR2EVyyHnXbTfZ15nu9pdzCgX_EM1Buo9A7DxAH4MWZnvgBo2Xfhp9XMZVU | work=ampoleagle.com | date=May 11, 2017 | access-date=July 24, 2023}}{{cite news| author=Buffalo Rising | title=The Buffalo Traveling Roadshow Opera | url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2017/03/the-buffalo-traveling-roadshow-opera/ | work=buffalorising.com | date=28 March 2017 | access-date=28 March 2025}}

Michael Ching has been the music director of Nickel City Opera from 2004 to 2017 and its principal conductor from 2012 to 2017.{{cite news| author=Raymond Elman | title=Michael Ching: From Opera to Opry | url=https://artspeak.fiu.edu/interviews/michael-ching/ | work=ArtSpeak | date=January 2, 2023 | access-date=December 27, 2024}}{{cite news| author=Bruce Duffie | title=Composer / Conductor / Administrator Michael Ching

| url=https://www.bruceduffie.com/ching.html | work=bruceduffie.com | date=March 31, 2000 | access-date=March 12, 2025}} Matthias Manasi has been appointed as a music director and chief conductor of NCO from 2017 to 2021.{{cite news| title=Manasi to leave the NCO | url=https://ampoleagle.com/manasi-to-leave-the-nco-p15420-112.htm | work=The Am-Pol Eagle | date=June 18, 2021 | access-date=March 21, 2025}}{{cite news| author=Volker Blech | title=Matthias Manasi: "Will mich wieder auf Europa konzentrieren" | url=https://www.morgenpost.de/kultur/article232952397/Ich-moechte-mich-wieder-auf-Europa-konzentrieren.html | work=Berliner Morgenpost | date=August 3, 2021 | access-date=August 27, 2023}}{{cite news| author=Sabrina Kahwaty | title=Former NCO Conductor Shines On|url=https://digital.buffalospree.com/buffalospree/january_february_2024/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1939938#articleId1939938 | work=digital.buffalospree.com | date=December 29, 2023 | access-date=January 3, 2025}} Since 2021, the NCO has been collaborating only with guest conductors.

International NCO stage directors have included David Grabarkewitz, who has directed the New York City Opera's production of Madama Butterfly for Public Broadcasting System (PBS), which received an Emmy award in 2008,{{cite news |author=Mary Kunz Goldman |title=William McKinley is back and this time, he's an opera |url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/william-mckinley-is-back-and-this-time-he-s-an-opera/article_2d1ac776-96d2-51cb-8a52-765435f2f125.html | work=The Buffalo News |date=June 7, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2020}}{{cite news | author=Steve Smith | title='MADAMA BUTTERFLY' New York City Opera |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/arts/music/22class.html | work=The New York Times | date=March 21, 2010|access-date=August 7, 2014}} and Marc Verzatt, awarded Outstanding Stage Director of 2006 by 'Classical Singer' magazine.{{cite news | title=NC Operas's Tosca is this weekend in N. Tonawanda |url=https://ampoleagle.com/ncos-tosca-is-this-weekend-in-n-tonawanda-p7963-97.htm |work=Am-Pol Eagle |date=June 28, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2014}}{{cite news | author=Ed Adamczyk | title=NC Opera Buffalo asks "Would You Kill for Love?" | url=https://www.niagara-gazette.com/news/lifestyles/nickel-city-opera-asks-would-you-kill-for-love/article_65e0954f-8965-5ce7-956e-bcb9b9d5a438.html | work=Niagara Gazette | date=June 26, 2014 | access-date=February 14, 2016}}

The NCO has its main venue at Shea's Performing Arts Center in the Theater District in downtown Buffalo, which is one of the big opera houses in the United States. The locations at which NCO has been staging opera and other performances have included Shea's Performing Arts Center (3,019 seats), Riviera Theatre (1140 seats), Artpark Mainstage Theatre (2.400 seats), Artpark Amphitheatre (4.400 seats), and Nicholas Flickinger Performing Arts Center (460 seats).

The NCO's main venue, Shea's Performing Arts Center was designed by the well-known Chicago firm, Rapp and Rapp. The original number of 4,000 seats was reduced to the current number of 3,019 seats in the 1930s. The interior was designed by world-renowned designer/artist Louis Comfort Tiffany using elements that are mostly still present today.

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{{Portal bar|Opera}}

{{Culture of Buffalo, New York}}

• [http://www.nickelcityopera.org/ NCO Buffalo website]
• [http://www.buffaloah.com/a/main/646/hist/index.html Shea's Buffalo Theatre History]
• [http://www.rivieratheatre.org/ Riviera Theatre Official Website]
• [http://www.artpark.net/ Artpark Official Website]

Category:New York (state) opera companies

Category:Music of Buffalo, New York

Category:2004 establishments in New York (state)

Category:Arts organizations established in 2004

Category:American opera companies