OPERA PLACES Gerald Finley takes us to New York City

City where you’re working?
New York City.

How long are you working on contract?
Eight weeks!

What’s the opera house like?
This year, the Met celebrates its 60th anniversary of being sited at Lincoln Center, and is part of a three- (soon to be four-) building complex where the ballet and orchestra concerts take place.

The Metropolitan Opera company is a huge enterprise – the opera house holds an audience of nearly 4,000 people, and the auditorium is noted for its Swarovski chandeliers and personal in-seat translation screens. The backstage is a constantly working, shifting building environment, and many hundreds are involved in putting the performances together, involving the behind-the-scenes technicians, stage managers, dressers, hair and make-up artists and costume makers, not to mention the orchestra and dozens of music staff. There can be three or four operas rehearsing at the same time. I think it is the largest opera company in the world that has its own on-site rehearsal spaces.

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
It is hard to find peace in New York City! I think the quietest place must be the North Woods in Central Park, where the birdsong just about manages to outweigh the underlying hum of the city.

Otherwise, for calmness, I like the Cloisters at the north end of Manhattan on the number 1 subway.

Best coffee or tea?
I’m not into coffee bars or tea places, but I can recommend Van Leeuwens for ice cream, sundaes and milkshakes, and vegan options! Generally open until midnight every day!

Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
There are so many to choose from! I recently went to the rooftop area of the Empire Hotel next to the Met, as the sun was setting with the cast of the opera. It was a fabulous environment and very relaxing.

The experience of PDT (Please Don’t Tell) is worth the secret telephone box entrance through Crif Dogs!

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An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
The walk through Central Park always provides a kaleidoscope of humans running, singing to track, playing drums, saxophones, trumpets, cycling, walking, roller blading, and talking to themselves (or presumably on their airpods!) or all of the above at the same time!

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
At the local pizza place, the owner gives a "freestyle pizza" demonstration – breathtaking!

How did you find accommodation?
Always by word of mouth, through colleagues. Hotels are expensive and AirBnB is not always reliable.

What’s the most important thing when finding accommodation as a singer?
A place to be quiet between shows, with cooking facilities, but also within convenient distance for rehearsals, and as reasonably priced as possible. You can spend a lot on accommodation in this city.

Have you had a chance to explore galleries or museums?
My favourite gallery is the Frick Collection, where I made my recital debut. It was recently renovated and the recital room was removed, but the art collection is a treasure trove, beautifully laid out in a calm environment.

 Is there anything else you'd recommend?
Stroll along the High Line, a biodiverse park built on a former elevated railway that winds between the skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan.