On hiatus...

For the first time in memory, there will be no live Metropolitan Opera broadcast this Saturday. The Met is on hiatus and for two weeks they will be historical broadcasts rather than live. We get treated to a Tales of Hoffman with Nicolai Gedda this week and an Aida with Price, Bergonzi, Bumbry and Merrill next week. I personally don't mind the break, especially since the season is extended to take it into consideration, and if it provides the performing forces a chance for a few extra rehearsals, then that's fine.

I don't remember which Met broadcast was my first, but they were a regular part of my youth. My first paying job was to set up the chairs every Saturday afternoon converting a gym to a Catholic church (I was paid $25 a week). Each Saturday I'd walk up to the church with my portable radio in tow (no boomboxes then) and listen to the week's broadcast. Often I would bellow along in the empty hall (sometimes surprised by a visiting priest or parishoner). It is an important and cherished memory for me. Even if I don't listen as regularly any more, my life would be severely diminished without them. Here is how to help save them.