Simon's first performance as music director was the United States premiere of Orlando presented in a concert version on January 18, 1971 at Carnegie Hall.
The production starred Rosalind Elias in the title role with Camilla Williams as Angelica, Betty Allen as Medoro, Carole Bogard as Dorinda, and Justino Díaz as Zoroastro.
On March 29, 1971 the ensemble performed the American premiere of Ariodante in a concert version with mezzo-soprano Sophia Steffan in the title role and Judith Raskin as Ginerva.
[10] In March 1972 the HSNY introduced to American audiences Handel's Rinaldo in a concert version starring Beverly Wolff in the title role.
[11] The HSNY presented the New York premiere of Handel's Alcina, which had been performed only once before in the United States, under the baton of Priestman on March 25, 1974 with Cristina Deutekom in the title role and Karan Armstrong as Morgana.