Well- the good news is that New York's Metropolitan Opera will be presenting the entire Ring cycle next season. The bad news, unfortunately, is that they've made the decision to treat Wagnerians as "touches" or "marks" rather than as a valued part of their opera community. Let me explain:

Initial sales for a Ring series is limited to subscribers to other opera series (minimum 6 other [lesser quality, IMHO] operas), or "Patron" status (contribution of $2000.00 or more). O.K. a little onerous so far- but it's not uncommon to offer the better seats to the people who put out the big-time Benjamins. But stay with me here...

Each "Ring" opera, in addition to its ticket cost, also carries a "special contribution" cost, which is, in effect, a Wagnerian "surcharge." It is the first time that the Met has done this- and it amounts to price discrimination on Wagner performances.

Oh, and one more thing-- in a decision reminiscent of the "bad old days" of sports event blackouts, the Ring cycle Music Dramas will be excluded from the nationwide HD theatre-casts. Obviously, the Met is counting on enough "marks" to pony up these extra bills. If this happens, it will work out the way they planned. However, I will not be one of those "marks."

The MET has proven aggressive in their importuning efforts towards me. It was my special pleasure to inform them that their pricing decisions have made it FAR LESS (rather than more) likely that I will ever contribute to them.

Come the fall, I've resolved to be more involved in seeking out live-music performances. My quest, however, will NOT involve the MET. Not now.