Opera Attendance Declines Amid Political Blame and Management Decisions

The recent slump in attendance at the Metropolitan Opera has been attributed by its general director, Peter Gelb, to declining tourism following stricter immigration policies under the previous administration. Despite a slight dip in season capacity—from an expected 75% to 72%—Gelb blames these external factors for the financial shortfalls.

He emphasizes that from his perspective, political decisions, especially those related to immigration and international relations, have directly impacted ticket sales. This stance was highlighted after the season concluded, with Gelb publicly criticizing the current political climate and even condemning the former U.S. president from the stage during a Kyiv performance.

Gelb’s management choices have also been controversial internally. His decision to cancel star soprano Anna Netrebko, citing political reasons linked to her stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has sparked dissent among opera enthusiasts. Critics argue that Gelb’s strong political stance and recent productions—many of which are characterized as woke or poorly received—have alienated audiences.

Despite these challenges, the Met’s productions of classic operas like Aida, Moby Dick, and Tosca continue to perform well, with ticket sales around 78-82%. In contrast, newer or politically charged works like Grounded failed to attract full house, with attendance rates as low as 50%.

While Gelb sports a history of making the company’s programming politically relevant—updating classics to mirror contemporary America—many opera lovers feel that these choices have undermined the institution’s artistic integrity. For instance, Netrebko, who criticized Putin and his war, remains popular in Europe, contrasting sharply with the internal conflicts and political decisions at the Met.

Opera fans and critics continue to debate whether Gelb’s approach will sustain the Met once political currents shift, or if these management styles have already compromised the company’s reputation and financial health.