Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanos Koroneos
Stefanos , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My path started in Italy, as a professional opera singer in 2000. My work as opera singer brought me to the US a few years later. I was always interested in directing and arts administration, especially fundraising. On 2020 I was nominated the new general and artistic director of Teatro Grattacielo in NYC. I do not sing anymore, but I do have an active career as an opera director. I am particularly interested in multidisciplinary, experimental and technology driven works.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the arts world, the struggles are abundant. As a young artist, these challenges are often tied to finding the right path, having the right mentors and advisors, and, most importantly, beginning to make a living. This was my journey as well. Although I started working as a singer almost immediately after school, I lacked a clear direction for much of my early career. I wasn’t certain about my aspirations. It took me years to define for myself, and consequently within my industry, what I truly desired and the narrative I wished to convey. It took me years to realize that I didn’t actually enjoy being on stage; instead, I preferred being behind the scenes, creating and guiding. Once I grasped this, I became happier, and I believe I reached the peak of my creativity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since 2020 I am the General and Artistic Director of Teatro Grattacielo, the company celebrates its 30 Anniversary in NYC this year. Since 2020 the company has grown from one production per year to three. I have also created a quite busy educational program that we have called “Creative Tableaux”. Our program offers a unique collaboration of opera, visual arts and working-based learning internships to create an engaging and exciting educational experience for everyone.
Furthermore, I have an active career as opera director with a particular predilection to multidisciplinary projects. I have just finished directing DOMME AND GIOVANNI with White Snakes Projects in Boston and ELIXIR OF LOVE in Europe and the US. Most of my directorial work focuses on creative dialogs between artworks such as video art, creative technology and color.
I am particularly proud for the growth of Teatro Grattacielo that focuses on revitalizing lesser-known works, supporting emerging singers and creating all-inclusive community programming.
Any big plans?
Starting this year, Teatro Grattacielo is expanding its standard repertoire to include operatic world premieres in English. In September, we are thrilled to present the world premiere of Nicolas Flagello’s “Beyond the Horizon,” based on Eugene O’Neill’s first Pulitzer-winning play of the same title. In 2025, we have scheduled the world premiere of Daniel Asia’s “The Tin Angel,” with a libretto by Paul Pines. In 2026, we are excited to announce our first opera commission, based on a book by William Maxwell. Stay tuned for more details to be released soon. Alongside these exciting additions, we remain dedicated to presenting both standard and rare Italian operatic repertoire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grattacielo.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teatrograttacielo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teatrograttacieloNYC
- Twitter: https://x.com/tgratta
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGR08clI5Se__XVXwxjO_A
Image Credits
All image credits are mine. I photograph my productions. the last photo is my headshot