By Steve Smith [NY Times, 26 October 2010]

The stars were out in force at Carnegie Hall as the Opera Orchestra of New York opened its 40th-anniversary season with a gala double bill on Monday night. Not so long ago, the chances that this landmark might be reached seemed slim indeed. Facing financial difficulties in 2008, the orchestra suspended its long-running tradition of presenting operatic rarities in full concert performances. Since then, it has maintained a slighter profile with recitals.