“And that’s going to require a situation where it really is safe. “I don’t think potential audience members are going to want to return to any large performing arts venue until they know it’s safe,” he added. “But clearly that is becoming increasingly questionable as things progress.”

“We’re still hoping the Met will open in September,” Gelb said. The Met expects to lose up to $60 million because of its closure, and its orchestra, chorus and stagehands stopped being paid at the end of March, though they have retained their health benefits.Ĭultural performances seem unlikely to go forward even well into the summer, if not beyond. But its situation - like that of other institutions that rely on large gatherings - is grim. The company has been attracting robust audiences for nightly streams of performances from its Live in HD archives. But it is part of the Met’s attempt to keep up its profile while its stage is dark.

It is not explicitly a benefit: “It’s not a fundraising telethon,” Gelb said. Get special offers & fast delivery options with every purchase on Ubuy.

The event - estimated to run around three hours, a blink of an eye by opera gala standards - will begin at 1 p.m., and the program will be available on the company’s website until Sunday evening. Buy The Metropolitan Opera: Centennial Gala online at an affordable price.

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