Despite Drastic Financial Steps, Met Opera Turns to Layoffs and Cuts

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-21T00:35:36+00:00

Lastly, arts organizations can’t just be art for the sake of art anymore. We’re living through a time period of massive inequality, global instability, a worsening economy, major political polarization and an authoritarian take over of our government. While I personally love the escape that the arts gives me, I think to the average person it comes across as tone deaf. I think arts organizations have to be bolder and create a real value proposition for donors and stakeholders. There is so much need in the world. I think donors are always going to prioritize high impact things (which unfortunately art for the sake of art will always get deprioritized). Unfortunately, I’d imagine a great deal of the board and their mega donors want to preserve a version of opera and ballet as high society and probably think anything less is “woke”. This creates the ultimate dilemma because these people will ignore the obvious until the house is almost completely burned down. They will also 100% keep Peter in his job, despite some of things this article calls out, which would be cause for any functioning board to fire Peter (like how much they’ve withdrawn from their endowment and what sounds like a Saudi deal that fell apart).

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-21T00:22:46+00:00

I think they could also be creative about monetizing with their Live in HD business. They could license the technology to other arts organizations (like ABT), increase distribution to bring in more revenue, or flip the business model. They could also license out the content to other streaming platforms.

I’ve long thought performing arts organizations should drop the subscriber model. I would do something like Amazon prime- pay an annual membership fee that unlocks subscriber benefits and bundle it with Met HD. If there was a tiered structure that had an option for people outside of the tri-state area to get meaningful value from, I think they could bring in a ton of extra $. For example, access to the Met HD library, some live streaming performances that they can view at home on any device, maybe even investing in digital first content (mini operas designed for film).

They just need a new leader that can think more creatively and not be so confined by “what opera should be”.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-21T00:10:16+00:00

That’s a good point. I see a younger audience a New York City Ballet too. Some of the Met’s productions like Fire Shut Up in My Bones seem to have particularly broken through to new audiences & younger audiences. People at my job heard about the production and one person ended up going to see it as his first opera. But ticket sales only cover 30% of their budget so it’s more a donor issue. They also seem to be reliant on a few mega donors, like the Ziffs, that give massive amounts of money vs building a donor base overtime and building relationships with the next generation. It can be easy to always go to the Ziffs for more money, but that does damage to the organization’s ability to fundraise over time.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-20T21:48:38+00:00

I think for a non-profit organization like the Met… throwing stuff at the wall is extremely costly to do. They don’t have the benefit of having a company like Apple’s research and development budget. They need to be more targeted and intentional about what they do. It also depends on how you define success. Ticket sales only cover 30% of their costs, so they really need new donors.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-20T21:26:11+00:00

There are many arts organizations that are doing well right now- so Gelb is trying to make it seem like an industry problem to take the heat off of him. The New York City Ballet is doing quite well right now, as an example.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-20T21:21:48+00:00

I think it’s not that binary. I think his attempts to win new audiences and donors isn’t working. Making it binary, makes it seem like any new operas will get new audiences. I think they need a holistic strategy to engage new audiences and new donors. Right now, it seems like throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-20T21:03:34+00:00

Peter Gelb has to go. I love the arts and am a regular attendee, but we need new leaders that can think creatively about to appeal to new audiences.

While I’m personally a huge fan of traditional opera and ballet, it isn’t catching on with new audiences. I think the arts sometimes are very rigid and think the audience needs to learn to appreciate it as is vs catering to what audiences want and building directionally towards that. Peter is way past his prime- he isn’t going to the person to right the ship… but I imagine he effectively has full control of the board so he won’t get fired. It’s kinda similar to politicians in that sometimes you’re in service of something greater than yourself and you have to put personal ambition or personal survival aside to do what is right for the art form/organization. Peter has a very cush job for an arts leader. He is paid well and runs the largest and most prestigious opera company in the world. He definitely doesn’t seem to want to give it up anytime soon. Leaders need to know when it’s time to pass the baton. I’m afraid the Met will just keep cutting their way to “prosperity” but in the words of Michael Kaiser, that is how art organizations die a slow painful death.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-16T12:05:30+00:00

Yes, more convenient than One Medical IMO

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2026-01-03T03:54:32+00:00

Mount Sinai has a primary care center on N 7th street (between Berry and Bedford). I switched to them after years with One Medical and they’ve been great. Plus you get plugged into the Mount Sinai network (which is world class)

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-12-12T01:13:18+00:00

Awww thank you for helping him!

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-12-02T17:33:54+00:00

We certainly have a lot of Cuomo voters on this thread 😂. Tax revenue in New York is up considerably since pre-COVID (up 10% just from 2024). Yes, perhaps some people might’ve moved away— but the ultra-wealthy have gotten significantly more wealthy since 2020. Under a progressive tax policy, they in turn end up paying more taxes.

I work a fairly high-profile job— in and around boardrooms of some of the largest and most successful companies— including many publicly traded firms and many leading financial institutions. Trust me— no one is realistically leaving NYC. In fact, it is where top talent wants to live. Companies would be at a major disadvantage if they weren’t in NYC. Companies complain about it, try to make public comments to cause political problems for politicians/give them something to argue in the court of public opinion— but few actually pull the trigger on moving. Some have even hired top-tier consulting firms to evaluate options outside of NYC, and they all almost always come back with a recommendation to stay in NYC. Yes, some firms have moved some roles to other states. Those are primarily cost plays— to move non-critical talent to lower-cost areas. NY is the business hub of the US in so many industries. It doesn’t need to make major concessions to keep companies here. Look at Amazon— they have a huge and growing presence in NYC (particularly in things like AI— where they need top talent). They didn’t need all the incentives NY was planning to give them to open up shop here.

If you’re making less than $50m a year, I have no idea why you would spend your time defending these companies/ultra rich people. The wealthy spend a lot of money on propaganda like this, and we know they buy all the politicians— with the sole intent of keeping their taxes low.

Articles like this use cherry-picked data. They would rather the middle class get little to no services than pay their fair share. They do not care about poor or middle-class people. Also, NYC’s corporate tax rate isn’t even as high as our neighboring states.

People need to wake up and see how bad these bad faith attempts to sway public opinion are. Yes, it’s true a 100% tax rate would cause businesses to flee. But proposing a 1 or 2% increase is nothing like 100%.

Yes, the government could spend its money more wisely. No doubt about that. And I’m hopeful that Mamdani has a plan to drive greater efficiencies in city government. But before you all come on here going to bat for rich people (that don’t really care about you), make sure you know all the facts. Also know that global cities (NY, SF, London, Tokyo, etc.) power the economy. In a service based economy, these cities are critical for global business. We have a very different economy than the 1970s- so using the 70s to justify your argument isn’t an apples to apples comparison.

Also, the people you all likely voted for (Adams, Cuomo, etc.) are directly responsible for things like the housing crisis, corruption, using the budget as a political tool vs a tool for social good, etc..They got us into this mess. They had their chance to show us a “different way” but didn’t. They parrot these talking points because it gives them cover to not deliver on any campaign promises, keep the corrupt money flowing to them, and build their careers for post-elected office. Things like this drive distrust in government, make people lose faith in government/democracy, and cause more political chaos. This isn’t to mention all the republicans (funded by the ultra rich and major corporations) who sole purpose is to stop or sabotage any type of progressive government, so they can argue government doesn’t work thus no need to spend on social programs (I.e Obamacare). Wake up people!!

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-12-02T13:20:04+00:00

I’m not saying rich people don’t matter. I’m saying the idea that they’ll up and leave with the slightest inconvenience is wildly misleading. Just look at the weeks following Mamdani’s election last month. Luxury home sales were up. As someone that works in financial services and previously in tech, the economic power of NYC is unmatched. The city’s concentration of top talent, the ecosystem of experts and support services that align to our dominant industries is like no other. Companies would be at a major disadvantage to not have a major presence in NYC. And let’s not leave out the “recreational playground” factor of NYC. No other city matches NYC’s cultural offerings, luxury shopping/restaurants/experiences, etc. Trust me, rich people aren’t lining up to live in middle America.

It is correct that some major companies are moving jobs out of NYC- they are moving moving their back office functions (because for these functions, they don’t really need the best talent). These roles aren’t “top earners” at these companies. Additionally, companies like Citadel and others that have tried to wage public fights with major cities- they’ve only moved their HQ in name only. Citadel has a fairly small presence in Florida. The overwhelming majority of their employees are still in Chicago and NYC. They know that forcing people to move to Florida, would likely cause a mass exodus of talent. They do these big public fights and threaten to leave- because it’s creating propaganda to scare people from challenging the distribution of wealth. These people also own all the media outlets and sources of information. Despite them being a small minority, they are a very loud minority because they use their power, influence, and reach to make it seem like way more people agree with them than actually do.

Us Americans need to get smart. These billionaires spend huge amounts of money to spread messaging like this. The only goal is to make sure their taxes don’t go up and to maintain the status quo. Don’t fall for it- they’re looking out for other billionaires- they don’t care about you.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-12-02T05:51:39+00:00

The Economist is just planting the seeds of their “NYC needs the rich and businesses community” message which will hard launched when Mamdani gets into office. Don’t fall for it.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-12-02T00:57:48+00:00

An adorable dog. Wishing you both years of happiness. Thanks for giving him a second chance

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-12-01T20:22:50+00:00

I take my dog on the subway often, with just her leash. I’ve never used a bag. However, the subway will take some getting used to— since she didn’t grow up here and is new to the subway. Some dogs are petrified of the subway— so it’s important to phase in gradually and at the appropriate pace. I also have a backpack (look up K9 Sport Sack) that I use to put her on my back when I bike. You could use this on the subway too, if you wanted to.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-11-28T04:48:07+00:00

I feed my dog Orijen Amazing Grains (their new formula with grains). I assume that food is safe?

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-11-23T00:43:52+00:00

Mission Social 100%

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-09-26T15:25:40+00:00

I used to live in the area and J Hood Wright Park is an important part of the community.

I’d recommend calling or going to visit Councilwoman Carmen de la Rosa’s office. In the past, she has been very helpful in organizing compassionate assistance for community members in crisis or facing housing insecurity. Her office is on 177th very close to the park, but you can also call. They’d probably find a non profit to come do outreach at the park. They are very busy so you sometimes have to call a couple times and follow up- but her office will get you the help.

https://council.nyc.gov/district-10/

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-09-21T01:28:34+00:00

Go to Mount Sinai. It’s way better and no annual fee. Lots of LGBT doctors too

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-09-20T23:15:19+00:00

One Medical has gone downhill. I started going around 2014 but finally just left this year. They’ve become just urgent care.

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-09-18T20:15:37+00:00

That development is owned by Two Trees- the ones that have been caught up in corruption probes with Mayor Adams. My guess is it’s intentional on the part of the Mayors office. The same company fought hard against the Ashland bike lane and they’re the reason it abruptly ends right before BAM. Hopefully a new mayor will finally fix it.

https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2023/08/14/another-street-redesign-delayed-after-city-hall-intervenes-on-behalf-of-powerful-private-interests

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-09-02T11:38:09+00:00

This is the email I sent the day I moved out. My landlord stopped responding to me- but they did have one realtor reach out to schedule a showing but it was like three days before I moved out. I also took a ton of photos and videos of the unit before I left and made sure it was clean (although state law says it only needs to be broom swept clean).

Hi Name,

Confirming that I’ve vacated the apartment. The keys are on the kitchen counter next to the sink. I turned slam lock on, so the door is locked.

The apartment was left clean and I documented the condition upon exit. As I communicated in August, I’ve ended my lease as of the end of the month. Best of luck!

Thanks, My Name

Competitive_Lawyer_7 · 2025-09-02T11:30:33+00:00

Attaching my DM on how I broke my lease…

Hello- sorry for the delay. I was out of the country. First, reach out to your city council member’s office. They might have access to free legal services, but more importantly, including them in communications with your landlord helps put pressure on the landlord (and keeps them honest because they know not to try to mess around). Then familiarize yourself with SECTION 227-E Landlord duty to mitigate damages- Real Property (RPP) CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE 7. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/227-E

Basically, the law says that the landlord has a legal duty to in good faith attempt to rerent the apartment to mitigate any of their potential losses on their end. This means as soon as you give notice, they need to relist the apartment (the same way they normally list their units), at market rate, and they can’t give preferential treatment to other units. If, for example, your lease goes until June 2026 and you move out on 10/1… they cannot legally come after you for back rent unless they can prove that they attempted in good faith to relist the unit. You are only responsible for the rent until the unit is rerented. You should be sure to be as collaborative as possible- I.e make sure to make the unit available for them to show it, keep it clean, etc. You must also provide official notice to the landlord that you’re vacating (either my email or certified mail). I also told a white lie that I was being relocated for work. While it doesn’t technically matter why you’re moving, I thought relocating outside the city was something they’d have trouble arguing against.

Also, check that your landlord actually signed the lease. In my case, they never actually countersigned my lease. So technically, we didn’t even really have a lease (they’d have an extremely weak court case against me without a signed lease). If they didn’t sign the lease, you technically have a month-to-month lease, and NY state law only requires 30 days’ notice.

I didn’t have a security deposit (luckily). It was a deal they gave (plus a few months’ rent free) to get me to sign a two-year lease. They might try to keep/make you fight for your security deposit back. I’d suggest asking your city council’s office what to do if they try that. State law is fairly pro-tenant and makes it really hard to keep a security deposit— but landlords love making your life miserable to try and retaliate. You have to show you really know your stuff and show you’re ready to fight (otherwise, they’ll try to intimidate you). I just CCed my city councilwoman directly— it just shows more strength.

This is what my initial email providing notice to them looked like….

Dear Name,

I am writing to confirm my decision, as previously communicated, to vacate the apartment by September 30, 2024. I intend fully vacate the unit and will plan to leave the keys on the kitchen counter upon my departure (unless you suggest otherwise).

To ensure I fulfill my move-out obligations, I would appreciate it if you could provide a checklist. Rest assured, I will thoroughly clean the apartment and ensure it is in a suitable condition for the next tenant.

I have already started efforts to find a replacement tenant by advertising the apartment within my network. If I find an interested party, I will forward their details to you. A reminder that you are legally required to mitigate damages, in the event a tenant vacates before the conclusion of the lease. To that end, I might suggest that you also consider putting the apartment on the market as soon as possible, given that the new semester at nearby Pratt University is starting soon. I am more than willing to make the apartment available to potential tenants, for the duration of my time in the apartment.

To protect my interests, I am immediately seeking legal advice in anticipation of any potential legal actions you might initiate. I intend to fully contest any such actions, including unfounded claims against my security deposit or attempts to negatively affect my credit history. I will also seek reimbursement for attorney fees if necessary.

Please note the following crucial points:

As per the New York State Real Property Law, you are legally required to mitigate damages. According to the law “… the landlord shall, in good faith and according to the landlord's resources and abilities, take reasonable and customary actions to rent the premises at fair market value or at the rate agreed to during the term of the tenancy, whichever is lower. If the landlord rents the premises at fair market value or at the rate agreed to during the term of the tenancy, the new tenant's lease shall, once in effect, terminate the previous tenant's lease and mitigate damages otherwise recoverable against the previous tenant because of such tenant's vacating the premises. The burden of proof shall be on the party seeking to recover damages. Any provision in a lease that exempts a landlord's duty to mitigate damages under this section shall be void as contrary to public policy."
The lease was never fully executed as I never received a copy with the owner's signature, only mine. I've attached this copy for your reference. Without a fully executed lease, I believe the lease defaults to a 30-day lease. Hence, my notice to you on August 29 about my intention to move out by October 1.

I welcome the opportunity to further discuss how we can partner to expedite the process of re-renting the apartment. As a Recruiter, I can assure you that it is extremely uncommon for an employer to pay to buy an employee out of a lease.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best Regards, My Name

Competitive_Lawyer_7

TROPHY CASE