Amidst a tough climate, the Met faces calls to implement a safer business model.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of the Metropolitan Opera has confirmed fears that programming decisions are at the heart of the organisation’s financial woes. The report has been released in the wake of the Met’s own attempts to reduce labour costs, and harsh questioning from union leaders about the company’s investment in new works.

The box office data collected by the Wall Street Journal has highlighted the Met’s struggle against increasing costs and declining audience numbers. The analysis also suggests that productions staged by General Manager Peter Gelb have generally had a poor reception. In response to the claims, Gelb said that it is not possible for an arts organisation to simply “coast along”.

“We are obliged to continue to take artistic risks,” he said. “Since there is no safe programming harbour for grand opera, particularly when you are talking about the Met and its 220 some performances in a 3800-seat house.”

When he began in 2006, Gelb specifically programmed new works and live broadcasts. While this initially contributed to increased attendance, box office numbers began declining again from 2009. Adding to this problem was the increase...