Having recently celebrated its 125th birthday the Metropolitan Opera is one of the world’s most beloved and established opera companies. The Met’s productions feature the world’s most prestigious vocal artists in radiant productions complete with stunning costumes, and scenery. The Met, under the leadership of esteemed musical director James Levine and general manager Peter Gelb, has taken opera into the 21st century, utilizing many new technologies to help make opera more accessible.
In addition to decades of broadcasting their productions via radio around the country, the Met now offers live HD video performances of their productions in theaters throughout the world. SIRIUS satellite radio and the Met Player allow opera fans the opportunity to listen and watch thousands of opera excerpts and complete operas online.
The Met’s annual outdoor concerts offer thousands of people the opportunity to attend free concerts in multiple NYC parks (usually in July). The addition of discounted student and Rush tickets make the Met’s nearly 200 performances highly accessible.
Metropolitan Opera Information
- Public Transportation: Very Good (convenient to subway lines 1 at 66th Street/Lincoln Center; A, B, C, and D, at 59th Street/Columbus Circle; and buses M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, and M104)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Varies, but typically more than 20 per season with multiple performances of most and special events
- Ticket Prices: Prices vary depending on date, time, performances, and seats. Student tickets are available to full-time students under the age of 29 for $25 weekdays and $35 weekends. Student tickets are offered for select performances, depending on availability. Students are often able to get orchestra seating (which often sell for upwards of $300), so it’s an incredible deal. Rush tickets are available to the general public for performances Monday through Thursday for $20
- Subscription: Available in a series of six–nine concerts, with prices varying considerably ($135–$3,262) based on dates, number of concerts, and seat selection. Subscriber benefits include discounts on lectures, guest pass to private intermission lounge, ticket exchange privileges, advance single ticket purchase, priority seating, and savings up to 36% off single ticket prices
- Membership: A membership is available from $65 to $25,000+. Benefits include Opera News subscription, merchandise discounts, invites to lectures and events, and discounted backstage tour.
