This season's New York City Opera concert series is called "Looking Forward" – and that's because the organization will be looking forward to concerts all around the city.

"We want to try to get more people, people who are new to opera, to come and see this music and hear it," says NYC Opera Music Director George Manahan. "In my explanations at the concerts, I hope to try to give them a little heads up and insight into the music."

Soprano Jennifer Zetlan made her debut with the City Opera last year, and says she's excited to hit the road.

"I think it's wonderful to take music to each borough and reach out to different people who might think, 'Well, I've never been into Manhattan to see an opera, but here's this great opera company and they're coming to my borough, near my apartment, maybe I'll go check it out and see what it's like.'," Zetlan says.

The program kicked off last weekend at the St. George Theatre on Staten Island – and while it's an attempt to attract new audiences, it's also out of necessity. The NYC Opera's home at Lincoln Center is currently under renovation.

"The renovations that we're doing at the theater are extensive, including increasing the orchestra pit by twice the size and many, many acoustical changes that are going to make it 100% better," Manahan says. "And that is possible by the generous donations of one donor and we're going to rename the theater, and it's going to be the David H. Koch Theater."

Not only is the opera getting a new home, but a new artistic director as well.

"We're going to feature some of the composers that Gerard Mortier will bring in in his first year, as well as highlight the extensive amazing variety of music in the 20th century," says Manahan.

The New York City Opera's next stop is in Brooklyn on November 2nd. For more information, go online to www.nycopera.com.