THE MET OPERA HOUSE FOR WTTS

The Metropolitan Opera House is an iconic institution in the world of opera, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class performances. It is considered one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, hosting some of the most famous opera performances of all time. The Met, as it is affectionately known, has been a cultural landmark in New York City since its inception in 1883, drawing crowds from all over the world to experience its unmatched artistry and grandeur.

A GRAND OPERA HISTORY

The Met Opera House was first located on Broadway and 39th Street in New York City. It was initially founded in 1880 by a group of wealthy New Yorkers who sought to establish a world-class opera company in the city. 

To be clear, the wealthy New Yorkers of which we speak had money, but it was “new money.” At the time, the Academy of Music opera house had private boxes for Manhattan’s “old money elite.” The Academy of Music was the place to see and be seen, and for top social status, it was imperative to have a private box. The “old money” wealthy were loath to admit Manhattan’s “new money” industrialists into their circle. As a result, the “new money” music patrons decided to create a new opera house that would outdazzle the old one, and thus the Met was born. For an idea of how wealthy the “new money” subscribers of the Met were, their last names included Morgan, Roosevelt, and Vanderbilt. The first performance at the Met was on October 22, 1883, featuring a production of Faust by Charles Gounod.

The original Met Opera House was designed by J. Cleaveland Cady and had a seating capacity of nearly 3,700. As the years progressed, it became clear the backstage space needed some updating, and new technologies such as electric lights and elevators would be a boon to the company. Talk of moving the theatre began as early as 1920, though The Great Depression put a hold on the relocation. Eventually, it was decided to relocate the opera house to a new venue in Lincoln Center, a new cultural complex in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

The new Metropolitan Opera House opened its doors on September 16, 1966 with a production of Samuel Barber’s Antony and Cleopatra. The new building, designed by architect Wallace Harrison, features a unique circular design that allows for excellent acoustics and sightlines from every seat in the house. The Met Opera House has a seating capacity of 3,800, making it the largest repertory opera house in the world. Today, over 800,000 lucky audience members get to see world-class grand opera at the Metropolitan Opera House. Sticking with its founding principles, the Metropolitan Opera isn’t just for Manhattan’s blue-blooded elite. Tickets start at just $25, and more than one third of all tickets are priced under $100.

WORLD-CLASS PROGRAMMING

The Met Opera House has seen countless famous performers and productions throughout its long and storied history. Some of the most notable performers to grace the stage of the Met include Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, and Enrico Caruso. These legendary singers have all contributed to the rich history of the Met Opera and have helped establish it as a cultural institution in the United States and around the world.

In addition to famous performers, the Met Opera House has also been the site of many famous productions. Some of the most memorable productions in Met history include the 1983 production of La Bohème, starring José Carreras and Teresa Stratas, the 1998 production of Tristan und Isolde, starring Jane Eaglen and Ben Heppner, and the 2010 production of Carmen, starring Elīna Garanča and Roberto Alagna.

The Met keeps a strong arsenal of classic productions that are repeated in repertory, such as Turandot, La Boheme, Die Zauberflöte and Wagner’s “Ring Cycle.” The Met is also dedicated to exploring newer works by living composers such as Nixon in China (John Adams) and Satyagraha (Philip Glass). Most recently, the Met introduced audiences to a new opera by Terrance Blanchard called Champion, depicting the real-life, tragic story of boxer Emile Griffith.

TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE OPERA

The Met Opera is a magical place where you can get extremely dressed up, if you wish. On any given night, you will see tux-and-tails and glimmering, shimmering ball gowns. However, it is also acceptable to dress a little more casually for the opera. It’s very rare you’d ever see jeans, but remember that The Met is an accessible house that welcomes everyone.

Many first-time opera attendees are surprised to learn that the intermissions are generally much longer than intermissions at a Broadway show. Most opera intermissions are at least thirty minutes in length. Some opera intermissions are close to an hour. This allows you to walk around the gorgeous opera house, see the magnificent works of art (there are two giant paintings by Chagall!), peruse the gift shop, powder your nose, and, of course, grab a glass of bubbly champagne. 

You will also want to take lots of gorgeous photos. The Metropolitan Opera House is one of the most picturesque locations in all of New York City. Take a photo against the backdrop of the gorgeous chandeliers. Make sure to take it horizontally and then submit it to welcometotimessquare.com. For just $150, your photo could be seen on a giant Times Square Billboard by hundreds of thousands of people! You can even post your photo on the same day you take it. See a matinee at the Met, and then walk to Times Square that evening and see your memories illuminated at the “Crossroads of the World!” 

We have the unbeatable price of $500 per day for your Billboard:

Option 1: Your 60 second video/photo will be shown, 60 seconds per hour 22 times a day.

Option 2: Your 30 second video/photo will be shown, twice an hour, 44 times a day.

Option 3: Your 15 second video/photo will be shown 4 times per hour 88 times per day.

Please let us know which option you would like to choose. Remember that we have a response time of 72 hours.