Va, pensiero: Collaboration with the Chorus and Dancers of the MET

It has been over a year since we were able to perform together at the Metropolitan Opera. We felt it was important to share this with all of you because we are still here, waiting for it to be deemed safe for us to return to the house we love and have dedicated our artistic lives to.

This year has been difficult for so many Met artists. We’ve lost so much: family, friends, colleagues, homes, our jobs, our way of life. With the uncertainty of when the Met will reopen, AGMA artists and Local 802 musicians have, in good faith, embarked upon negotiations with Met Opera management to negotiate a fair and equitable contract for all.

Our union brothers and sisters of IATSE’s Local One have yet to return to the bargaining table and have been locked out of the Met Opera house since December 2020. They have spent countless hours over decades ensuring the highest level of production quality and safety for artists on and off stage. We remain hopeful that all parties will be committed to finding a solution that benefits everyone involved.

Without your support we wouldn’t have been able to make it through this past year. You stood by us and have given us hope that when we are able to return to the Met you will be right there with us!

With six months left until the projected opening night of the 2021-2022 season, Met artists still need your help.

Here are two ways you can make a difference:

Click here to help over 150 members of the orchestra and music staff. www.metorchestramusicians.org

Click here to help over 500 soloists, dancers, choreographers, directors, stage managers, staff performers, choristers and extra choristers. charity.gofundme.com/mcafacethemusic

Thank you for your unwavering love and support of all Met artists.

Video edited by: Zanza Steinberg

Original ‘Va, pensiero’ At Home Gala video by Met Opera, edited by: Pete Scalzitti

Dance Videographer/Cinematographer: Zanza Steinberg

Choreographer/Director: Danielle Russo

Featured Dancers: Antuan Byers, Ayaka Kamei, Joseph Columbus, Kacie Boblitt, Maria Phegan, Megan Krauszer, Sarah Kay Marchetti