Regarding Met Opera broadcasts – COVID19
UPDATE: The Met has decided to feed stations pre-recorded performances for the remainder of the season
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
In light of the circumstances involving the COVID-19 virus and in consultation with the office of the Mayor, the Metropolitan Opera has canceled all performances and rehearsals through March 31, effective immediately, including this Saturday’s Live in HD movie-theater presentation of Der Fliegende Holländer.
Met General Manager Peter Gelb said, “With health authorities urging social distancing with greater emphasis, it is simply untenable for us to continue to perform, as it puts our artists, staff, and audiences at risk. I would like to express my deep personal regret that the situation has led us to this point.”
While we are not able to present live performances through March 31, we will continue to make recorded broadcasts from our archives available to our listening audience via the radio, beginning this Saturday with a recorded performance from this past Tuesday, March 10, of Der Fliegende Holländer. Information for this broadcast will be sent later today. We will stay in regular communication with all of you to advise on the broadcast plans for upcoming Saturdays.
Thank you all for your understanding, and for working with us to continue providing opera performances to our public in these uncertain times.
With best wishes,
Mia Bongiovanni
Mia Bongiovanni
Assistant General Manager, Media
The Metropolitan Opera