Opera News: A History of the Metropolitan Opera's Definitive Publication
For nearly nine decades, Opera News served as a cornerstone of operatic journalism, bridging the gap between the elite stage and the general public. Founded with a vision of the "democratization of opera," the publication evolved from a simple newsletter into a comprehensive monthly magazine that documented the triumphs and controversies of the Metropolitan Opera and the wider international scene.
The Early Years and Evolution
The publication was established in 1936 by the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Eleanor Robson Belmont, a key figure in the guild, hired Mrs. John DeWitt Peltz (Mary Ellis Peltz) as the first editor, describing her as a "gifted walking encyclopedia of opera." When it debuted on December 7, 1936, Opera News was merely a single folded broadsheet.
The growth of the publication was rapid. By November 15, 1937, it had transformed into a 17-page magazine featuring advertising. As the medium evolved, so did its focus; starting in December 1940, the magazine began dedicating significant content to the weekly Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts, bringing the experience of the opera house to listeners across the country.
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Editorial Leadership and Growth
Over the decades, Opera News shifted its publication schedule to meet demand. Initially, it offered bi-weekly issues during the autumn, winter, and spring, remaining on hiatus during the summer. By 1972, the magazine expanded to include monthly summer issues while maintaining its bi-weekly schedule during the primary opera season.
The magazine was guided by a series of dedicated chief editors who shaped its voice:
- Mary Ellis Peltz: Founding editor.
- Frank Merkling: Succeeded Peltz, with his first issue appearing on October 14, 1957.
- Robert Jacobson: Appointed in 1974.
- Patrick O'Connor: Took over in 1988.
- Patrick J. Smith: Appointed in 1989.
- Rudolph S. Rauch: Appointed in 1998. Under his leadership and executive editor Brian Kellow, the magazine transitioned to a year-round monthly frequency in July 1999.
- F. Paul Driscoll: The final editor in chief, appointed in July 2003.
Controversies and the Final Chapter
Despite its close ties to the Metropolitan Opera, the magazine occasionally faced tension with the institution it covered. In the June 2012 issue, the Metropolitan Opera announced that Opera News would stop reviewing Met performances. This decision stemmed from dissatisfaction among leadership regarding critiques of Peter Gelb's direction and Robert Lepage's production of the Ring Cycle (a series of four epic operas by Richard Wagner). However, following public outcry, the decision was reversed, and reviews continued.
The end of the publication came not through editorial conflict, but financial necessity. In 2023, the Metropolitan Opera Guild announced it was facing financial difficulties and would wind down its operations. Consequently, Opera News ceased to exist as a stand-alone monthly publication. The final issue, volume 88, number 5, was published in November 2023, after which the publication was merged into Opera magazine.
Key Facts
- Founded: December 7, 1936, by the Metropolitan Opera Guild.
- First Editor: Mary Ellis Peltz.
- Format Evolution: Started as a broadsheet, became a 17-page magazine in 1937, and eventually a year-round monthly in 1999.
- Final Issue: November 2023 (Volume 88, Number 5).
- Outcome: Merged into Opera magazine due to financial difficulties of the Metropolitan Opera Guild.
| Year/Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Dec 7, 1936 | Launch as a single folded broadsheet |
| Nov 15, 1937 | Transition to a 17-page magazine |
| Dec 1940 | Focus shifted toward radio broadcasts |
| July 1999 | Switch to year-round monthly frequency |
| June 2012 | Brief cessation of Met performance reviews |
| Nov 2023 | Final stand-alone issue published |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Opera News?
Opera News was founded by the Metropolitan Opera Guild in 1936, with Eleanor Robson Belmont hiring Mary Ellis Peltz as the first editor.
Why did the Metropolitan Opera briefly stop the magazine from reviewing its shows?
In 2012, the Met leadership was dissatisfied with the magazine's critiques of Peter Gelb's direction and Robert Lepage's production of the Ring Cycle.
When did Opera News become a monthly magazine?
While it had monthly issues in the summer starting in 1972, it officially switched to a year-round monthly frequency in July 1999 under Rudolph S. Rauch and Brian Kellow.
What happened to Opera News in 2023?
Due to financial difficulties faced by the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Opera News ended its run as a stand-alone publication in November 2023 and merged into Opera magazine.
Who was the final editor in chief of Opera News?
F. Paul Driscoll, who was appointed to the position in July 2003, served as the final editor in chief.