Led by founder and artistic director Vincent La Selva, New York Grand Opera is unique in the world for presenting professional fully–staged grand opera productions free of charge to the public, giving all people access to opera, regardless of their financial means. Its critically acclaimed productions have been seen by an estimated 3 million people throughout the New York metropolitan area. For this incomparable service to the cultural life of New York, Maestro La Selva has been lauded by President Clinton, Governors Pataki and Cuomo and was awarded the Handel Medallion, New York City's highest honor for cultural achievement, by Major Rudolph Giuliani. An internationally renowned conductor, Vincent La Selva has also been knighted by the Italian Government as "Cavaliere" in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Provides free opera performances on Summerstage in Central Park.