Metropolitan Opera Backs Down After Public Criticism

After a flood of public criticism yesterday, the Metropolitan Opera rescinded its demand that a magazine published by its fundraising arm stop reviewing the opera’s productions, The New York Times reports.

The newspaper reported yesterday that the Metropolitan Opera Guild, which publishes Opera News, had ordered the magazine to stop reviewing productions, after several articles in the publication were harshly critical of the opera company’s performances and its general manager, Peter Gelb. Mr. Gelb acknowledged responsibility for the original decision.

He reversed course after receiving a flood of criticism yesterday from the public and experts who said his move was censorship.

“I think I made a mistake,” said Mr. Gelb. “The Metropolitan Opera only exists with the good will of the public. Clearly the public would miss Opera News not being able to review the Met, and we are responding to that.”