Pianists/Repetiteurs help to prepare and coach singers, playing the orchestra reductions in staging and musical rehearsals. Prompters assist the cover conductor in preparing and coaching singers, as well as prompting (reminding of the upcoming text) during rehearsals and performances. Though all are designated either as assistant/associate conductors, staff pianists, or diction coaches according to their specific skill sets, their unique responsibilities in the rehearsal process contribute the first points of musical contact between singers, dancers, directors, and the MET Opera at the beginning of each production preparation.Ĭover Conductors lead rehearsals musically in the absence of the principal conductor and are prepared to lead performances, in case of emergency. Individual contracts specify a wide range of responsibilities to be covered by the eleven full-time and thirty-seven part-time members. Represented by the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, the current Staff numbers forty-eight members who are contracted for specific productions. Helping to meet the challenge is one of the most intrepid groups of musicians in New York City – the Metropolitan Opera Music Staff.

Preparing the Metropolitan Opera’s enormous repertoire poses a tremendous challenge due to the intensity of the work and the lengthy season.

Metropolitan opera music director