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| Opera Has Vanished. So Have Their Dream Jobs at the Met. | Opera Has Vanished. So Have Their Dream Jobs at the Met. |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Hugo Valverde didn’t think he’d make it when he auditioned for the orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, the nation’s largest performing arts organization and its most prestigious opera company. | Hugo Valverde didn’t think he’d make it when he auditioned for the orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, the nation’s largest performing arts organization and its most prestigious opera company. |
| He was ambitious: a French horn player from a town of 2,000 in Costa Rica who had earned a scholarship that brought him to the United States. But he was only 22. | He was ambitious: a French horn player from a town of 2,000 in Costa Rica who had earned a scholarship that brought him to the United States. But he was only 22. |
| The audition was a major opportunity, though, so he gave it a try. And, to his surprise, he was hired. | The audition was a major opportunity, though, so he gave it a try. And, to his surprise, he was hired. |
| “I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon,” Mr. Valverde, now 25, recalled in an interview. Straight out of grad school, he found himself in the pit for Mozart’s “Magic Flute.” | “I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon,” Mr. Valverde, now 25, recalled in an interview. Straight out of grad school, he found himself in the pit for Mozart’s “Magic Flute.” |
| Being a full-time member of the Met Orchestra is grueling: Operas stretch late into the evening, and players are often due back in the morning for rehearsals. During their time off, they practice; some also teach. But it’s a dream job, with a wide range of salaries that average $190,891 and the sigh of relief that comes with tenure. | Being a full-time member of the Met Orchestra is grueling: Operas stretch late into the evening, and players are often due back in the morning for rehearsals. During their time off, they practice; some also teach. But it’s a dream job, with a wide range of salaries that average $190,891 and the sigh of relief that comes with tenure. |
| “The Met Opera orchestra is just the stuff of legend,” said Evan Epifanio, the 31-year-old principal bassoon. | “The Met Opera orchestra is just the stuff of legend,” said Evan Epifanio, the 31-year-old principal bassoon. |
| In March, however, as the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of performing arts institutions worldwide, the joy and security of the Met vanished. The company initially announced cancellations through that month; then, the remainder of the spring season. Now it won’t return until New Year’s Eve, at the earliest. The virus has killed two artists, the violist Vincent J. Lionti and the assistant conductor Joel Revzen. | In March, however, as the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of performing arts institutions worldwide, the joy and security of the Met vanished. The company initially announced cancellations through that month; then, the remainder of the spring season. Now it won’t return until New Year’s Eve, at the earliest. The virus has killed two artists, the violist Vincent J. Lionti and the assistant conductor Joel Revzen. |
| And the orchestra — along with the chorus, stagehands and some administrative staff, about 1,000 in all — has been furloughed, with no pay since the end of March. | And the orchestra — along with the chorus, stagehands and some administrative staff, about 1,000 in all — has been furloughed, with no pay since the end of March. |
| The Met has continued to provide health benefits. But without their typical income, the musicians have been unable to sustain the lives once made possible by their salaries. If performances indeed resume on Dec. 31, that will still keep them unemployed until rehearsals begin in early December. | The Met has continued to provide health benefits. But without their typical income, the musicians have been unable to sustain the lives once made possible by their salaries. If performances indeed resume on Dec. 31, that will still keep them unemployed until rehearsals begin in early December. |
| “You think to yourself: I’ve made it,” said Benjamin Bowman, 40, the Met’s co-concertmaster since 2017. “But what once seemed like the most secure job is anything but.” | “You think to yourself: I’ve made it,” said Benjamin Bowman, 40, the Met’s co-concertmaster since 2017. “But what once seemed like the most secure job is anything but.” |
| For Mr. Valverde, working for the Met meant he could afford to live alone within walking distance of Lincoln Center, while also sending money each month to his family in Costa Rica. When performances ended, on March 12, he knew it would be impossible to live off his savings indefinitely and continue helping his parents. So he negotiated an early lease termination and moved his belongings to a storage unit. He bought a plane ticket, and after two failed attempts as flights everywhere were being canceled, he left New York for Costa Rica on March 22. | For Mr. Valverde, working for the Met meant he could afford to live alone within walking distance of Lincoln Center, while also sending money each month to his family in Costa Rica. When performances ended, on March 12, he knew it would be impossible to live off his savings indefinitely and continue helping his parents. So he negotiated an early lease termination and moved his belongings to a storage unit. He bought a plane ticket, and after two failed attempts as flights everywhere were being canceled, he left New York for Costa Rica on March 22. |
| Most of his colleagues are on unemployment, which through July includes a $600-per-week bonus as part of the congressional pandemic relief package. Some of the musicians are considering retirement; players say they are expecting at least 15 percent of the orchestra’s seats will be vacant by the end of the year. | Most of his colleagues are on unemployment, which through July includes a $600-per-week bonus as part of the congressional pandemic relief package. Some of the musicians are considering retirement; players say they are expecting at least 15 percent of the orchestra’s seats will be vacant by the end of the year. |
| Billy Hunter, 45, the Met’s principal trumpet, is married to a pianist with four children; his 16 years with the company have allowed his family to live comfortably, in a neighborhood with good schools. “This pandemic,” he said, “has taught me: You always have to make a Plan B and C and D.” | Billy Hunter, 45, the Met’s principal trumpet, is married to a pianist with four children; his 16 years with the company have allowed his family to live comfortably, in a neighborhood with good schools. “This pandemic,” he said, “has taught me: You always have to make a Plan B and C and D.” |
| Mr. Epifanio, the bassoonist, is also married to a musician: a freelance oboist, John Upton, who had been set to tour with the New York Philharmonic this spring before those performances, too, were canceled. In March, they packed their instruments and cat in a rental car and drove all night to the vacant condo of Mr. Epifanio’s parents in Naples, Fla. | Mr. Epifanio, the bassoonist, is also married to a musician: a freelance oboist, John Upton, who had been set to tour with the New York Philharmonic this spring before those performances, too, were canceled. In March, they packed their instruments and cat in a rental car and drove all night to the vacant condo of Mr. Epifanio’s parents in Naples, Fla. |
| The lower cost of living there has made weathering the furlough more bearable. With the lease on their Upper West Side apartment set to expire, they are planning to move to Wisconsin and live with Mr. Epifanio’s parents — without whose support, he said, his situation would be unimaginably more difficult. He didn’t know when he and his husband would return to the city. | The lower cost of living there has made weathering the furlough more bearable. With the lease on their Upper West Side apartment set to expire, they are planning to move to Wisconsin and live with Mr. Epifanio’s parents — without whose support, he said, his situation would be unimaginably more difficult. He didn’t know when he and his husband would return to the city. |
| “We can’t come back unless we have employment,” Mr. Epifanio said. | “We can’t come back unless we have employment,” Mr. Epifanio said. |
| John Romero, a 28-year-old who was recently awarded tenure as principal trombone, is also considering a move. He and his wife, who is training to be an opera singer, are both from Texas and might return there to be closer to friends and family. | John Romero, a 28-year-old who was recently awarded tenure as principal trombone, is also considering a move. He and his wife, who is training to be an opera singer, are both from Texas and might return there to be closer to friends and family. |
| “I love living in New York, and I love the apartment we’re in,” he said. “But it is definitely something to consider if the finances don’t work. We essentially need to decide by the beginning of August.” | “I love living in New York, and I love the apartment we’re in,” he said. “But it is definitely something to consider if the finances don’t work. We essentially need to decide by the beginning of August.” |
| Other deadlines are looming. Stephanie Mortimore, 48, the Met’s principal piccolo and a member of the orchestra since 2000, suspended her home and life insurance policies in March. She also deferred the mortgage on her apartment until July 1, but is still expected to make a lump-sum payment next month. | Other deadlines are looming. Stephanie Mortimore, 48, the Met’s principal piccolo and a member of the orchestra since 2000, suspended her home and life insurance policies in March. She also deferred the mortgage on her apartment until July 1, but is still expected to make a lump-sum payment next month. |
| She has been able to cut costs by moving, with her husband, a freelance bassoonist, and her son to her brother-in-law’s house in South Carolina. She started volunteering for her parents’ business, a company that creates platforms for project- and distance-based learning, thinking it would be practical. | She has been able to cut costs by moving, with her husband, a freelance bassoonist, and her son to her brother-in-law’s house in South Carolina. She started volunteering for her parents’ business, a company that creates platforms for project- and distance-based learning, thinking it would be practical. |
| “I haven’t trained for any other career,” she said. “I thought I had a job at the most stable orchestra in the world.” | “I haven’t trained for any other career,” she said. “I thought I had a job at the most stable orchestra in the world.” |
| Getting hired by the Met was transformative for Mr. Bowman, the co-concertmaster. A few years ago, he and his wife, the classical music publicist Elizabeth Bowman, were living in a small apartment in Washington Heights with their daughter. A second child was on the way, and they were looking to buy a house. | Getting hired by the Met was transformative for Mr. Bowman, the co-concertmaster. A few years ago, he and his wife, the classical music publicist Elizabeth Bowman, were living in a small apartment in Washington Heights with their daughter. A second child was on the way, and they were looking to buy a house. |
| “The Met came along like a steamroller to all the second-guessing, and all the concern and worry,” Mr. Bowman said. | “The Met came along like a steamroller to all the second-guessing, and all the concern and worry,” Mr. Bowman said. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| They found a home in Glen Ridge, N.J., and he was able to invest in an expensive bow. But as he and his wife have been forced to drastically rethink their budget, it has become increasingly difficult to justify paying for it. “When does this become untenable for me?” he said. “I have no idea. So I can’t plan accordingly.” | They found a home in Glen Ridge, N.J., and he was able to invest in an expensive bow. But as he and his wife have been forced to drastically rethink their budget, it has become increasingly difficult to justify paying for it. “When does this become untenable for me?” he said. “I have no idea. So I can’t plan accordingly.” |
| The Met isn’t in any better or more certain of a position. Its general manager, Peter Gelb, described the pandemic as the worst crisis in the company’s history, with an anticipated $100 million in lost revenue by the end of the year. The Met has both an immense annual budget, of more than $300 million, and payroll, which has made it ineligible for the Paycheck Protection Program that has helped smaller institutions — like many orchestras — maintain at least partial salaries for their artists. | The Met isn’t in any better or more certain of a position. Its general manager, Peter Gelb, described the pandemic as the worst crisis in the company’s history, with an anticipated $100 million in lost revenue by the end of the year. The Met has both an immense annual budget, of more than $300 million, and payroll, which has made it ineligible for the Paycheck Protection Program that has helped smaller institutions — like many orchestras — maintain at least partial salaries for their artists. |
| Mr. Gelb said that the Met is lobbying Congress to expand the program so the company could qualify. If that doesn’t happen, he added, “the results will continue to be devastating.” | Mr. Gelb said that the Met is lobbying Congress to expand the program so the company could qualify. If that doesn’t happen, he added, “the results will continue to be devastating.” |
| For its part, the orchestra is taking steps to operate more independently of the Met until live performances return. The group registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2015, and is taking advantage of that to run as a nonprofit in earnest, with a redesigned website, fund-raising for musicians, education initiatives and partnerships — including one with the Renaissance School for the Arts in East Harlem that begins on Tuesday. | For its part, the orchestra is taking steps to operate more independently of the Met until live performances return. The group registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2015, and is taking advantage of that to run as a nonprofit in earnest, with a redesigned website, fund-raising for musicians, education initiatives and partnerships — including one with the Renaissance School for the Arts in East Harlem that begins on Tuesday. |
| Demian Austin, a principal trombone and one of the musicians leading the orchestra’s nonprofit work, said that while programming is still in its early stages, it’s possible that live performances could take place outdoors. “Everyone wants to see how we can get back into the world,” he said. | Demian Austin, a principal trombone and one of the musicians leading the orchestra’s nonprofit work, said that while programming is still in its early stages, it’s possible that live performances could take place outdoors. “Everyone wants to see how we can get back into the world,” he said. |
| Not all the players, of course, will be in New York and available for those concerts if they happen. Mr. Valverde, who spent 14 days self-isolating in Costa Rica before testing negative for the coronavirus and properly reuniting with his family, is not coming back until the Met does, too. It has been a period of mixed emotions for him; he is spending much-appreciated time with his parents and two sisters, and learning new music. But he is worried for the future, and for his colleagues. | Not all the players, of course, will be in New York and available for those concerts if they happen. Mr. Valverde, who spent 14 days self-isolating in Costa Rica before testing negative for the coronavirus and properly reuniting with his family, is not coming back until the Met does, too. It has been a period of mixed emotions for him; he is spending much-appreciated time with his parents and two sisters, and learning new music. But he is worried for the future, and for his colleagues. |
| “I do miss opera,” he said. “Every day.” | “I do miss opera,” he said. “Every day.” |