Orchestra and unions accuse Peter Gelb of long-planned cynical strategy.

In an increasing game of brinkmanship, Metropolitan Opera boss Peter Gelb has written to his employees warning that the house may go dark at the end of next week if agreements on proposed budget cuts are not reached. The American Federation of Musicians and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in turn have blasted Gelb for what they maintain is his “cynical strategy calculated to result in a lockout of his artists and craftspeople and imperil the upcoming Met Opera season.”

Gelb’s letter threatens that the iconic opera house will shut down operations on July 31 unless the unions reach agreements “that would enable the Met to operate on an economically sound basis” and warns employees that they should “plan for the likelihood of a work stoppage beginning August 1”.

The orchestra’s response has been to accuse Gelb of a “long-planned” strategy to draw attention from what they see as managerial incompetence. “His callousness, combined with his attempt to cover up his failed management and lack of artistic vision that has resulted in declining audiences and plummeting ticket sales, jeopardizes the livelihoods of his employees and the many businesses in New York...