MET Orchestra Musicians Support Colleagues in Need with Streaming Concert; Local 802 Celebrates Black History Month by Honoring Percussionist Elayne Jones

Almost a year ago, the Metropolitan Opera House went dark. Overnight, New York City lost its heart and soul — the culture that vibrates through the veins of the city and makes it what it is: music, theatre, dance, art —all silenced and put on pause. The MET Orchestra Musicians, who are represented by AFM Local 802, are doing everything they can in order to support their colleagues in need so that when they return, the quality and excellence that New Yorkers have come to expect from the orchestra and supporting staff will continue. Their latest effort is a self-produced streaming concert this coming Sunday. Get info and buy tickets here. Dvořák’s enchanting music is the focus of this fourth concert in the MET Orchestra Spotlight Series which includes both his "Song to the Moon from Rusalka" and the spirited Bass Quintet. Brilliant soprano Angela Gheorghiu sings alongside musicians from the MET Orchestra including principal associate concertmaster Nancy Wu and associate principal bass, Leigh Mesh. Also included are the stirring "Our Father" by Anton Pann and a tribute to nine musicians from the MET Orchestra who’ve retired since the start of the pandemic.

Local 802 is also celebrating Black History Month, honoring the life of Local 802 member Elayne Jones (pictured), who was the first Black percussionist to hold a principal position in a major orchestra. Read Elayne's story here!