Amato Opera

Amato Opera was an opera company staging smaller productions with reduced orchestras in an intimate 107-seat theater located at 319 Bowery in the East Village. The venue kept ticket prices low and presented classic operas in a warm, accessible setting.

Founded in 1948 by Tony and Sally Amato, the company staged its first performance of The Barber of Seville at Our Lady of Pompeii Church. It remained active until 2009, maintaining affordable ticket prices throughout its decades of operation.

The company made classical opera accessible to everyday New Yorkers through affordable performances and educational programs like Opera-in-Brief for children. These offerings helped thousands discover and understand opera for the first time.

The small theater was easy to find and offered an intimate experience without long lines or overcrowded spaces. Visitors should note that the limited seating meant reservations were wise, especially for popular shows.

Many professional opera singers launched their careers at this venue, a story PBS documented in the 2001 film Amato: A Love Affair With Opera. Its role as a training ground for artists made it a crucial place in the opera world.

Location: New York City

Inception: 1948

Official opening: 1948

GPS coordinates: 40.72867,-73.99989

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01