Chenoweth, Esparza et al. Honor Schwartz with NYC Opera in Concert, April 21

As part of its upcoming season New York City Opera will launch an all-new concert series showcasing the non-operatic works of composers whose operas will be presented on its main stage. With the 2010-2011 season boasting an opera by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, the New York City Opera will host a special concert, Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz, featuring many Broadway stars on Thursday, April 21, 2011.

In this Spring Gala concert, Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz the award-winning Broadway and film composer will be joined on stage by special guest vocalists for a retrospective evening of his acclaimed works for musical theater. Scheduled to appear are stage and screen stars Kristin Chenoweth, Elaine Paige, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Raul Esparza. The evening will be hosted by Victor Garber, and conducted by Ryan McAdams. The concert celebrates the New York premiere of Schwartz's first opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, which opens at City Opera on April 19, 2010.

City Opera's new concert series takes advantage of the possibilities offered by the recent renovation of the company's home, the David H. Koch Theater. The series also allows New York City Opera to expand its repertoire and programming and cast new light on the 2010/2011 season productions. Other concerts in the season include the gala concert An Evening with Christine Brewer on Thursday, October 28, 2010 and The Musical Worlds of John Zorn on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Separate to the concert series, City Opera will also present Late Night with LB, on Saturday, October 23, 2010, a rare recital of Bernstein's most personal music in a cabaret setting.

City Opera's new concert series takes advantage of the possibilities offered by the recent renovation of the company's home, the David H. Koch Theater. The series also allows New York City Opera to expand its repertoire and programming and cast new light on the 2010/2011 season productions. Other concerts in the season include the gala concert An Evening with Christine Brewer on Thursday, October 28, 2010 and The Musical Worlds of John Zorn on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Separate to the concert series, City Opera will also present Late Night with LB, on Saturday, October 23, 2010, a rare recital of Bernstein's most personal music in a cabaret setting.

For more information and a more detailed schedule of events, call CenterCharge at 212.721.6500, or visit nycOpera.com.