Saudis Withdraw Offer of Millions to Metropolitan Opera
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Saudi Arabian government has withdrawn from a $200 million deal to support the Metropolitan Opera, citing economic damage from the war in Iran and the blockade of oil routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The agreement, announced in September, would have provided the Met with substantial financial relief over eight years to help recover from losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- As part of the deal, the Met was to perform a three-week residency each February at the Royal Diriyah Opera House near Riyadh, a month when the company typically does not stage performances.
- Met general manager Peter Gelb confirmed that Saudi Arabia has shifted its priorities due to economic challenges stemming from regional conflicts, leading to the cancellation of the arrangement.
