[Posted this evening on The Volume.]

Ending months of speculation, New York City Opera
announced details of its 2009–10 season this evening. Unsurprisingly,
given the turmoil and uncertainty the company has endured over the past
year, the season ahead will be a short one, with just five staged
productions. Still, if new general manager and artistic director George
Steel wanted to prove his commitment to both tradition and innovation in one fell swoop, he could hardly have laid a stronger hand
on the table than this one.

Following an opening-night gala concert in honor of David H. Koch, namesake of the rechristened New York State Theater, on November 5, the season proper will commence on November 7 with a revival of Hugo Weisgall's critically acclaimed Esther, returning for the first time since its world premiere run in 1993. A new production of Mozart's Don Giovanni, directed by Christopher Alden, arrives the following evening. Mark Lamos's charming 2002 production of Chabrier's L'Étoile returns on March 18, with the same director's popular staging of Puccini's Madama Butterfly opening on March 19. Rounding out Steel's first season is Handel's Partenope, which opens on April 3.

"This first season in our renovated home will show the many ways
City Opera makes outstanding contributions to the people of New York
and to the world of opera," Steel said in a press statement. "We are
excited to return to our audiences, on schedule, and are thrilled to be
moving forward with our plans for a more extensive 2010–11 season." Subscriptions will be on sale starting May 1 for renewing subscribers
and June 15 for new ones; single tickets will be available starting
September 8.

Addendum: Dan Wakin has more on the New York Times site.

Addendum II (Apr. 4): And now comes news of a potential strike of City Opera's singers, chorus and production staff.