Metropolitan Opera Partners with Saudi Arabia for Major Cultural Deal
The Metropolitan Opera has finalized a significant agreement with the Saudi Music Commission and the Royal Diriyah Opera House, establishing the Met as the resident winter company of the upcoming opera house in Riyadh. Under this collaboration, the Met will perform fully staged operas and concerts each winter for a five-year period, starting in February 2024.
This strategic partnership, detailed in a Memorandum of Understanding, will involve the Met traveling to Saudi Arabia for three-week performances, featuring classics such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème.” In addition to performances, the Met will provide training for aspiring local artists, including opera singers, composers, and technicians. The initiative also includes plans to commission a new opera, expanding opportunities for Saudi talent.
In a statement, Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Music is a universal language that transcends borders, uniting people through creativity.” He highlighted the initiative as a means to empower local talent and contribute to a vibrant global arts community.
The General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb, echoed these sentiments, stating that cultural exchange is vital and that this partnership would provide substantial support for the Met. He noted that the deal is projected to generate over $100 million for the Met over the five years, addressing a considerable portion of its financial needs through at least 2032.
The agreement has received approval from the American Guild of Musical Artists, with representatives expressing that this partnership represents a pivotal opportunity for the Met to ensure its long-term financial stability, allowing it to support artists and the art form for future generations.
Challenges remain as the Met has recently faced financial difficulties, including a credit downgrade and the fallout from a fraudulent scheme involving a fake millionaire. Despite these issues, Gelb has defended the decision to partner with Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the collaboration is essential for the institution’s survival.
Critics have raised concerns regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which includes the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders and severe penalties for the LGBTQ+ community. The country has a history of labor abuses, which has led to skepticism about cultural partnerships involving Saudi entities.
Activists have previously protested the involvement of international arts organizations with Saudi Arabia, citing these human rights violations. In 2019, the Teatro alla Scala faced backlash when it attempted to engage with Saudi officials and ultimately refunded a significant amount after public pressure.
In response to inquiries about these concerns, Gelb stated, “I have to put the survival of the institution of the Met first.” He argued that many democratic governments engage in business with Saudi Arabia, implying that the Met’s collaboration is a pragmatic approach to sustaining its operations.
This new deal follows the Met’s hosting of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s American debut two years ago and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader investments in cultural initiatives globally. Recently, the Saudi government committed €50 million towards renovations for the Centre Pompidou in Paris, further highlighting its interest in enhancing its cultural footprint.
The partnership between the Metropolitan Opera and Saudi Arabia reflects a complex interplay of art, finance, and ethics, raising questions about the future of cultural diplomacy amid ongoing human rights concerns.
