La Cieca thinks that President Bush or anyway Senator McCain should hire Peter Gelb as, at the very least, director of communications.  A brutally honest yet constructive reaction to the current economic debacle can be found in an internal email from the Met’s chief to his staff.  FInnish minge glimpses are not the only area in which cutbacks can be expected, Gelb’s memo (obtained earlier today by La Cieca) also warns of impending slashes in the company’s costs for travel expenses, overtime and medical and pension benefits.

From: Gelb, Peter
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 2:02 PM
To: Public Bulletin Board
Subject: Memo to staff
 
Dear Members of the Company,
 
The financial crisis gripping our nation’s economy will almost certainly have an adverse effect on the Metropolitan Opera.  Although we began the season with a stronger advance box office than the year before, it is likely that ticket sales will be affected.  We anticipate that our fundraising will also suffer.  Therefore, we need to plan now for difficult economic times ahead, and to ensure that the Met takes precautions that will enable it to remain a strong and vibrant organization.
 
Accordingly, over the next few months, we plan to identify and assess various measures to ensure that costs are carefully monitored and controlled, and reduced where possible — without affecting the quality of productions.  Among the areas we have identified where changes may be made are goods and services, including travel and entertainment expenses; overtime and other staffing costs; and the Met’s administrative medical and pension plans.  All of the department heads will be participating in these budget-reducing exercises.
 
Thanks to the efforts of all of you, over the past two years the Metropolitan Opera has raised its profile, increasing its box office by 12%.  The Met is once again considered to be the leading opera company in the world.  Our enhanced position should help us as we face the economic crisis confronting New York and our country.  Historically, the Met has weathered other economic downturns.  We shall overcome the present challenges, as well, but only if we can work together to manage costs more effectively.  Thank you for your understanding and support.
 
Best wishes,
 
Peter Gelb