His idea of presenting free productions began in 1954 when he founded the Xavier Symphony Society, made up of volunteer performers.
Beginning in 1974, he performed complete operas at no charge to the public in New York City's Central Park.
In November 2006, NYGO performed Beethoven's symphony no.9 at the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall with soprano Maria Knapik, mezzo-soprano Jeeminn Lee, tenor Edward Perretti and baritone Fredrick Redd.
In 1995 the President of Italy knighted La Selva as a "Cavaliere" in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his performances of Giuseppe Verdi works.
La Selva received the Handel Medallion for his contributions to the cultural life of New York City.