You’re invited to Heartbeat Opera’s 24-25 Season Launch Party!

 
 
 
 

On September 16, Heartbeat Opera will kick off our biggest season yet with a community event for our supporters, artists, and friends! We will be celebrating at a private event with performances by special guest artists, complimentary drinks, taco trucks, and a splash of tropical flair!

Join us at Gitano on Governors Island to meet the artists that make our work come to life and bask in the breathtaking view of New York City's skyline. Your previous support has been essential to Heartbeat Opera’s ten years of audacious opera-making. We are eager to share an exclusive preview of this season’s productions with you as we embark on our next decade! This will be a night to remember.

Funds raised will support Heartbeat’s bold vision for the future of opera.

We hope you can join us and will consider supporting our exciting season!

 
 
 
 
 

The celebration will be held at Gitano, a waterfront restaurant and lounge on Governors Island. No worries—we’ve got it covered! We'll meet and sail off together. See the details and FAQs below for more information.

Meet Up Location & Time (Arrival)
Governors Island Ferry at 6:15 pm or 6:45 pm
10 South Street Slip 7, New York, NY 10004
(see FAQs for more details on how and where to meet)

Meet Up Location & Time (Departure)
Gitano at 8:30 pm
125 Carder Rd, New York, NY 10004
(Ferry leaves to Downtown Manhattan at 8:45 pm)

We strongly encourage you to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page (BELOW)! Whether you're wondering what to wear or how to arrive in style, we've got all your questions covered.

 
 
 
 

2024 - 2025 SEASON KICKOFF’S frequently asked questions

 
 

  • You need to take the Governors Island Ferry to get to Gitano Island. Heartbeat Opera volunteers will be waiting for you from 6 pm to 6:45 pm at Downtown Manhattan’s Governors Island Ferry station’s waiting area. They will provide you with a ferry ticket and guide you to the ferry when the time is right. The ferry ride is 5 minutes long. Once you arrive, volunteers will escort you to Gitano Island, which is a 2-minute walk.

  • SUBWAY: 1 train (stop at South Ferry), 4 train & 5 train (stop at Bowling Green), R train (stop at Whitehall Street)

    BUS: M9, M15, M20, M55

  • Yes! You can still join us if you take the 6:45 pm ferry and we will travel together as a Heartbeat group. The event starts at 6:30 pm. However, you are welcome to arrive or depart on your own. Governors Island ferries run all day from 7 am to 9:15 pm (see schedule here). We will cover the $5 ticket cost for those taking the 6:15 pm or 6:45 pm ferries, but unfortunately, we cannot cover the cost for guests arriving outside these times.

  • Once the ferry debarks, there will be volunteers with Heartbeat Opera signs waiting to walk you to Gitano Island, which is a 2-minute walk from the ferry.

  • The event is happening at Gitano Island, a waterfront restaurant and lounge on Governors Island. Learn more about Gitano Island.

  • Anything you like! However, Gitano Island has scenic sand on the ground to make you feel like you’re on an actual beach getaway. If you don’t want any sand between your toes, we recommend closed-toe shoes.

  • You need to take a ferry to get to Gitano Island on Governors Island for the event. It’s the only way to reach the venue.

  • Yes! Gitano Island is ADA accessible. There is also a golf cart that can bring you to Gitano Island after you debark the ferry.

    Lastly, the ferry is wheelchair accessible.

  • Yes! We are providing tacos from a taco cart (how fun!) and beverages during the event.

  • Yes! There are vegetarian options available at the taco cart.

  • Yes! It’s free. Donations are encouraged.

  • Masks are optional.

  • The event starts at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:30 pm.

 
 

GOVERNORS ISLAND FERRY MAP

 
 
 
 
 

gitano island MAP