Opera lovers are breathing a sigh of relief today after learning the news that the Metropolitan Opera has ratified an agreement with the orchestra — ending an ongoing dispute over the treatment of musicians during the pandemic.
While the financial details on the new deal with the orchestra are unknown, both parties are looking towards a clearer path to the opening of the MET’s 2021–22 season, after being closed for the past 18 months.
The season is scheduled to open on September 27 with the premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones.
Light at the end of the tunnel
“The members of the Met’s great orchestra have been through Herculean challenges during the 16 months of the shutdown, as we struggled to keep the company intact. Now, we look forward to rebuilding and returning to action,” said Met General Manager Peter Gelb.
The new agreement with the orchestra includes a six-concert yearly chamber music series at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, beginning this fall. The initiative was attributed to Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who was inspired to create the new series by the orchestra’s entrepreneurial endeavours during the protracted shutdown.
“The pandemic has caused pain and suffering for so many people, and in ways that will remain forever. And while we as musicians cannot make that pain go away, our art form is special in that it can provide moments of healing and catharsis to a spirit in need,” said Mr. Nézet-Séguin. “To be able to perform Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony as the first performances back together with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus is not just a moment of revival for us, but a gift of hope and rebirth to New York City.”
Not done yet
Following the announcement of the Metropolitan Opera and its agreement with the Orchestra, Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees fired off a press release email with” Not done yet… Met Opera still in contract talks with ticket sellers + scenic artists” in the subject line.
“The agreement between the Met Opera and IATSE Local One ended a lockout that stretched seven months. Stagehands and skilled craftspeople are now back at work preparing for the new opera season, scheduled to begin September 27,” the press release stated. “However, other Met workers, represented by IATSE, whose work is critical to the opera’s operations, are still seeking new labour agreements.”
Free Resurrections
For those in New York City, you’re in for a treat. Nézet-Séguin and the Met Orchestra will honour the announcement with a pre-season performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” with soprano Ying Fang and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves on September 4–5 at Damrosch Park. The concerts will be non-ticketed and free to the public.
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