_{OPERA PLACES} Andriana Chuchman takes us to New York City

City where you’re working?
New York City – a place I’ve spent a lot of time performing in, and one that feels familiar and full of memories.

How long are you working on contract?
I am here for just under a week – the classic concert-length stay.

What’s the opera house like?
I’m performing at Alice Tully Hall with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center – an intimate, elegantly designed concert hall with clear, warm acoustics. It’s located just steps from the Metropolitan Opera House, where I’ve had the pleasure of performing a number of times.

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
Central Park. I love that it works year-round: picnics in the summer, long walks with a hot coffee in the winter. Even a short stroll can feel like a retreat from the city’s pace.

Best coffee or tea?
It’s hard to pick just one in New York, since good coffee seems to be on every corner, but some of my favourites are Rex (10th & 57th) and Stumptown Coffee Roasters at the Ace Hotel.

Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
Almost impossible to choose, but favourites include Gramercy Tavern, Via Carota, Buvette, and Café Luxembourg – all classics for good reason.

An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Walking the High Line, an elevated park and pedestrian walkway built on a former freight rail line stretching from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea. With gardens, art installations and elevated views of the city, it’s a uniquely New York experience and a wonderful way to spend time between commitments.

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
How genuinely kind people can be. New York has a reputation for toughness, but there’s a real warmth – both backstage and out in the city.

How did you find accommodation?
For concert work, artists are usually put up in nearby hotels, which is such a gift – no apartment-hunting stress, no subway or taxi math before morning rehearsals. Luxury!

What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
For concert work, the hotel is typically taken care of, which is a huge relief. I always ask for a quiet room – away from elevators or street noise – even if it means sacrificing a view. Small details like that make a big difference for rest and focus.

Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
This visit was very short, so I didn’t have the chance this time. On longer stays, favourites include MoMA and the Guggenheim.

Is there anything else you’d recommend?
Don’t over-plan – my best New York moments have been surprises: discovering the Gramercy Tavern bar, catching a live show at Terra Blues, or wandering the streets day or night, weaving in and out of cafés and shops and grabbing a spontaneous slice of pizza along the way – never feeling alone in the city’s vibrant energy.