One of the US’ many coronavirus cultural casualties, the Metropolitan Opera, has announced their decision to furlough 41 members of staff indefinitely, and put 11 others on part time contracts.
While the Met has managed to attract considerable audiences with their nightly streams of previous performances since their closure in March, it is estimated the virus has cost them some $60 million thus far. Even their 15,000 new paid subscribers to their on-demand video service only go some way to filling the deficit.
With large gatherings in New York still prohibited for the foreseeable future, the Opera’s September season remains uncertain. As the nation’s largest performing arts body, with an annual budget of over $300 million, the decision to furlough over 40 members of staff does not bode well, particularly given the fact they had previously said such a move was not necessary.
The company’s general manager, Peter Gelb, said that: “We have enjoyed greater success than I would have imagined in terms of keeping the Met connected through these various activities, and raising money through the emergency campaign.”
However, he continued that: “On the other hand, the magnitude of the long-term damage — the immediate and long-term effects of the health crisis on the performing arts — seem graver and more challenging than they appeared a month ago.”
Furloughed members of staff will receive a fortnight of pay and will maintain health benefits. Those affected include members of artistic affairs, production, and marketing departments for the body.
Gelb continued that: “It’s very difficult to budget when you have so many uncertainties of timetable.
“The performing arts are going to be the last business to return. We’re still selling tickets for next season, but obviously the fall is in jeopardy at this point. Hard decisions will need to be made in the coming weeks about the opening. Perhaps by some miraculous situation we can return in the fall.”
In recognition of these uncertain times, Gelb has also made the decision to forgo his own salary.
He concluded: “We need an administrative staff to keep the institution running without performances.
“The business of the Met has to go on.”
