Bloomberg dug into the Metropolitan Opera’s 2011 tax return and wrote up a piece claiming that Artistic Director James Levine saw a 39% increase in his paycheck that year, due “in part” to the success of the opera company’s HD screenings which have attracted audiences all around the globe. No mean feat for the Met or Maestro Levine in the midst of a seriously troubled economy.
No, honestly, if you are seeking an uncontestable definition of success, try this on for size: the Met came out of the 2010-2011 Season with a $41 million surplus – despite an 8 percent increase in spending AND a $25 million deficit hanging over from the previous year. Un-be-lievable.
Check out the Bloomberg story in all its enviable detail right here.
It’s a bit like settling into the wrong line at the grocery store, isn’t it?
(Lincoln Center photo by John Glines for PBase.com)
Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media and PR