About Us

Formed in 2022 in the heart of New York City, TerpsiKord emerged as a bold and timely response to the artistic silence brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conceived by Artistic Director Carmine Aufiero and General Director Garry Ianco, the ensemble was born out of a deep desire to restore and revitalize performance opportunities for the city’s world-class freelance instrumentalists—many of whom were left without a creative outlet during the shutdown of live arts.

Named in homage to Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dance and choral song, TerpsiKord stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, dedicated to flexibility in genre and boldness in programming. The ensemble quickly gained traction in New York’s vibrant musical scene with its inaugural concert at the DiMenna Center, signaling a powerful return of live performance and artistic collaboration.

From the start, TerpsiKord’s mission has been clear: to create thrilling, high-caliber musical experiences while providing a platform for the city’s most talented freelance musicians. This mission resonated deeply in a post-COVID cultural landscape, where both artists and audiences craved connection, catharsis, and community.

Among its standout performances, TerpsiKord took part in the 100th anniversary commemoration of Giacomo Puccini’s death, performing to a packed audience at Merkin Hall in a program that honored the enduring legacy of one of opera’s most beloved composers.

In a defining moment of artistic crossover, the ensemble returned to Symphony Space in 2023 for a genre-defying concert that brought together the worlds of Broadway and classical music. Featuring principal singers from the long-running Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera—including Raquel Suarez Groen, Carlton Moe, Derrick Davis, Marie Johnson, and Julia Udine—the concert showcased TerpsiKord’s versatility and commitment to collaboration across artistic disciplines.

Adding to its unique footprint, TerpsiKord became the orchestra-in-residence for New Jersey’s annual Zombie Opera Halloween concerts, fusing operatic excellence with theatrical flair in a cult-favorite event that draws fans from across the tri-state area. These performances, blending horror, humor, and high art, have become a seasonal highlight and a testament to the ensemble’s creative reach.

With each performance, TerpsiKord reaffirms its place as a vital force in New York’s cultural resurgence—celebrating the resilience of freelance artists, the power of live performance, and the ever-evolving joy of music.

★★★★★