The Metropolitan Opera

The largest classical music organisation in North America, the Metropolitan Opera (The Met) first opened its doors in 1883. It stages more than 200 opera performances every season, to audiences of more than 650,000 on an annual basis. The Met further broadens its accessibility through several new initiatives. These include a radio series that has broadcast Saturday matinees nationally since 1931; and regular screenings of performances to movie theatres worldwide, reaching over 1,700 venues in 54 countries.