named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Gold Curtain Fund
Endowed fund supporting the maintenance and replacement of the Met's auditorium Gold Curtain, originally gifted in 1979 and replaced in 2005 with member contributions exceeding $500,000
Lecture Series
Seasonal educational program featuring experts like Maestro Joseph Colaneri, offering in-depth analysis of current Met productions
Production Fund
Provides annual financial support to specific Metropolitan Opera productions through income from a member-funded endowment exceeding $1,000,000
Special Events and Dinners
Gala dinners, artist honors, and seasonal openings/closings that foster camaraderie and provide members access to performers and insiders
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Professional Opera and Operetta Production 1 activity
- Cultivating vocal and instrumental music and supporting operatic performancesEngages in the cultivation of vocal and instrumental music and supports the presentation of operatic and musical performances.
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Membership Program Administration 1 activity
- Facilitating member contributions and ticket sales for the Metropolitan OperaGenerates approximately $500,000 annually in ticket sales for the Metropolitan Opera through member commitments and requires all members to make annual financial contributions to the Metropolitan Opera Association, with amounts determined by the Board.
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Performing Arts Production Support 1 activity
- Funding specific Metropolitan Opera productions through the Production FundManages a Production Fund valued at over $1 million, with annual income directed to support Metropolitan Opera productions that lack routine financing.
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Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
- Support and engagement for members interested in the Metropolitan OperaProvides members with opportunities to engage with the Metropolitan Opera through ticket services, access to performances, private dining, coat check, and social events. The organization fosters member involvement through lectures, dinners, tours, and expeditions.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Funding capital improvements and endowments for the Metropolitan OperaFunded the installation of a new Gold Curtain in 2005 through a member contribution exceeding $500,000 and established an endowment to support future replacements.
- Funding major contributions to specific Metropolitan Opera productionsHas provided major financial support for numerous Metropolitan Opera productions, including covering half the costs for I Puritani (1976) and Lulu (1977), and significant contributions to Faust, the Ring Cycle, Un Ballo in Maschera, Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and I Lombardi.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$693K
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$454K65%
Investment income$5450%
Other revenue$239K
expenses
Total expenses$725K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$536K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$324K
Cash$265K
Investments$0
Liabilities$19K
Net assets$304K
Liquid reserves4.4 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -0.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOSEPH OWENS | FORMER GENERAL MANAGER | 40 | $220K |
board members · 12
- DAVID BARRETT — SECRETARY
- DUNCAN MCKAY — DIRECTOR
- GERALD MALONE — TREASURER
- J TRUMAN BIDWELL JR — PRESIDENT
- JOHN BREWER — DIRECTOR
- KRISTIN E KOVNER — DIRECTOR
- RANDALL BENNETT STROSSEN — DIRECTOR
- RICHARD MILLER JR ESQ — DIRECTOR
- SUSAN B CLEARWATER — DIRECTOR
- TREVOR STEWART — DIRECTOR
- VIVANNE LAKE — DIRECTOR
- WILLIAM GOODENOUGH — DIRECTOR
relationships · 7
Who they work with
- Facebook Partner — Hosts the Metropolitan Opera Club's official page for member engagement and communication.
- METROPOLITAN OPERA ASSOCIATION Partner — Supported organization in the mission to foster operatic and musical performances.
- Metropolitan Opera Partner — Collaborates with the Metropolitan Opera to provide member access to performances and shared cultural engagement.
- Metropolitan Opera Partner — Primary beneficiary of the Club's financial and programmatic support, including production funding, ticket purchases, and special contributions.
- Metropolitan Opera Partner — Primary cultural institution supported by the club.
- Metropolitan Opera Partner — Provides the Club with physical space on the Dress Circle level of the Metropolitan Opera House and shared access to performances and artists.
- Metropolitan Opera Association Partner — Recipient of major gifts, production funding, and annual member contributions facilitated by the Club.
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts Support Through Cultivationmethodology: arts-support-through-cultivationBy systematically developing vocal and instrumental talent and supporting the production of operatic works, the organization ensures high-quality artistic output that sustains public engagement with opera, because direct investment in artistic development is foundational to cultural preservation and audience growth.
- Member-Driven Support Modelmethodology: member_engagementBy cultivating a community of engaged members who contribute financially and participate in shared cultural experiences, the Metropolitan Opera Club sustains support for operatic performances and expands public appreciation of vocal music, because member investment—both social and financial—strengthens long-term commitment and collective stewardship.