You Can Now Stream the Metropolitan Opera at Home for Free
Seasoned opera lovers and curious newcomers alike can now stream free full-length recordings of past productions from the Metropolitan Opera every night.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Metropolitan Opera has canceled all performances for the rest of 2020. While closing the renowned opera house for any length of time is unfortunate, millions can now enjoy its shows from their homes without risking exposure to the virus.
Back in March, the Met began sharing a new performance each day on its website. Videos of each production are available for 23 hours, from 7:30 pm EDT until 6:30 the following day when a different performance becomes available.
General Manager Peter Gelb announced today that in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of performances, the Met will offer a nightly series of free web streams that will bring opera to audiences while the house is dark—beginning March 16 at 7:30PM ET. pic.twitter.com/M6QkDSelON
— Metropolitan Opera (@MetOpera) March 13, 2020
The productions were filmed as part of the company’s Live in HD series. By sharing the recordings with the public, the Met aims to lift the spirits of its now-virtual audience. The opera house explained this art-minded goal in an online statement, writing that “During this extraordinary and difficult time, the Met hopes to brighten the lives of our audience members even while our stage is dark.”
In addition to the free recordings, the Met still offers live, albeit virtual, performances for $20 a ticket. Opera enthusiasts can also subscribe to the Met Opera on Demand streaming service, which provides unlimited access to over 600 Met performances for $14.99 a month.
1/ Experience Verdi’s gripping Shakespeare adaptation as tonight’s Nightly Met Opera Stream. Available July 22 at 7:30PM EDT until July 23 at 6:30PM EDT.
📸 Ken Howard
Watch: https://t.co/dtUtojONSl pic.twitter.com/23BVaZQXD7
— Metropolitan Opera (@MetOpera) July 22, 2020
Supplementary content, synopses, and the upcoming streaming schedule can all be found on the Met’s website. This week’s free performances include Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette and Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier.
If you’re a theater-lover feeling lost during quarantine, be sure to tune in to the Met’s free daily performances. You can also protect the Met’s future during these unprecedented and challenging times by donating to the opera house online.
