Statement On The Met Season Cancellation
The Met Opera Chorus is deeply saddened by the news of the cancellation of the remainder of the Metropolitan Opera 2019-20 Season. This is a difficult time for the company and everyone who works so hard to make magic on our stage over 200 times a year. We will persevere and overcome this challenge and remain a chorus united, even in the face of unprecedented adversity.
We echo our union, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), who represent chorus, soloists, dancers, stage managers, stage directors, and actors, in a call for emergency relief for all artists affected by the current crisis.
"While we appreciate what the Met has done to assist artists after bargaining with AGMA, like keeping health insurance going for certain artists who receive their health insurance through the Met, it's simply not enough during this pandemic. Our artists are facing a scary and uncertain future; they depend on performance and rehearsal fees to survive and they are out of work indefinitely. Many do not qualify for unemployment, many will lose health coverage, and many are not sure how they will continue to pay their bills. To that end, AGMA is lobbying for federal, state, and local emergency relief. We are depending on our signatory companies, including the Met, to support our artists and to help amplify our message that our artists need COVID-19 coverage and emergency benefits."
