It’s always such a special experience to feel music as well as hear it. That’s what happened at Carnegie Hall‘s opening night this week when I sat in the front row with my fabulous friend, Tara. The Berlin Philharmonic was conducted by Kirill Petrenko with Jonas Kaufmann as the soloist. Because we were sitting so close, we could see every expression and feel the emotion from Petrenko and every performer on the stage. We were immersed in the physicality of their performance, feeling their joy, pain, regret, and inspiration.
While I loved every piece, the one that still has me smiling is Pini di Roma (Pines of Rome) by Ottorino Respighi. I had never heard of the piece or the composer. It premiered in the U.S. 100 years ago at Carnegie Hall, performed by the New York Philharmonic. Its 4 sections are alternately playful, solemn, wonder-filled, frightening, and triumphant. To close out the piece and the performance, horn players were staged in the balcony of the Hall, announcing the hope and victory of better days. My eyes were misty and so were Tara’s. The audience jumped up for a standing ovation. Petrenko was thrilling to watch. Smiling and cheering for the orchestra members, and having them acknowledge the praise, elevated the whole evening for us.
I feel lucky to work for an organization that gives people this kind of experience—one that stays with them long after the final note, an organization that connects people through music, an organization that is an instrument of peace, awe, curiosity, and sheer happiness.
(And of course we had to round out the evening with delicious charbroiled oysters and NA prosecco at Tanner Smith’s, one of my favorite places in the neighborhood!)
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
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