Gripes to the Times about the Met’s new operas

From the New York Times letters page:

While the Met recently commissioned new works by Jeanine Tesori and Missy Mazzoli, they are the first two commissions given to female composers since its founding in 1883.
Robert Schumer

I have taught in numerous New York City public high schools over 48 years and have found that almost all of the kids have never heard of Puccini, Wagner or Verdi.
Robert Grandt

While I applaud the Met’s recent efforts to present and commission new works, opera companies in Philadelphia, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco have been in the forefront of commissioning and presenting new works for over three decades, including works by Black, Latino and women composers.
Anne S Arenstein

More here.