Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Metropolitan Opera Faces Lawsuit from Famed Mezzo-Soprano Anita Rachvelishvili Over Contract Termination
In a dramatic turn of events, acclaimed mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili is taking legal action against the Metropolitan Opera. The renowned opera house allegedly terminated the contract of the singer, once hailed as the “best mezzo soprano on the planet,” after she reportedly experienced difficulties with her upper vocal range, according to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Federal Court.
Contract Dispute and Vocal Concerns at the Met Opera
Rachvelishvili’s agreement with the Metropolitan Opera encompassed performances in several prestigious productions, including “Aida,” “La Gioconda,” “Carmen,” and “Don Carlo,” spanning from 2022 to 2025. This lucrative contract was valued at over $400,000.
However, the anticipated performances were cut short. In January 2023, the Met Opera reportedly cancelled her remaining engagements, citing a “deterioration of vocal quality” as the reason, according to court documents filed by Rachvelishvili, aged 40.
Singer Acknowledges Post-Pregnancy Vocal Changes
Rachvelishvili acknowledged a temporary limitation in her “highest vocal range” following the birth of her daughter in November 2021. Despite this, the mezzo-soprano maintained that her ability to perform professionally was never compromised.
Discrimination Allegations
In her lawsuit, Rachvelishvili alleges that the Metropolitan Opera and the American Guild of Musical Artists engaged in discriminatory practices against her based on her pregnancy. She asserts she was “at all times ready, willing and able to perform” her contracted roles and emphasizes that she has since “recovered her full vocal range.”
Singer’s Statement on Contract Termination
Rachvelishvili expressed her dismay in a statement, saying: “I loved performing on the Met stage and looked forward to returning after the birth of my first child. I was shocked that I was not given a chance to recover and all of my contracts for the next two years were immediately canceled without pay.”
Adding to her disappointment, Rachvelishvili stated, “After supporting the Met throughout the pandemic, I am disappointed, to say the least, at this harmful treatment.”
Acclaim and Contract Buyout Allegations
Originally from Georgia and currently residing in Tbilisi, Rachvelishvili has received significant accolades throughout her career. The Metropolitan Opera’s General Manager, Peter Gelb, once lauded her as the “greatest dramatic mezzo-soprano.” In 2018, renowned conductor Riccardo Muti reportedly declared her “the best Verdi mezzo-soprano today on the planet,” as reported by The New York Times.
Disputed Contract Buyout
Rachvelishvili further claims that the Metropolitan Opera initially agreed to a contract buyout worth $400,000 but subsequently reversed their decision, refusing to honor the payment. She also alleges that when she sought assistance from her union, the American Guild of Musical Artists, they declined to advocate on her behalf.
Legal Action and Repercussions
Union’s Refusal to Intervene
According to her legal filings, the American Guild of Musical Artists allegedly declined to file a formal grievance on Rachvelishvili’s behalf.
Seeking Damages
Rachvelishvili, who resumed performing in Naples, Italy, in November, is now pursuing unspecified damages in her lawsuit against both the Metropolitan Opera and the American Guild of Musical Artists.
Impact on Singer’s Career
Leonard Egert, Rachvelishvili’s attorney, stated that “The cancellations at the Met negatively affected other bookings throughout the world.” He explained, “Opera singers are booked out years in advance. This created a negative cascade event for her. It had a devastating effect but she’s coming back — slowly but surely.”
Metropolitan Opera’s Response
A representative for the Metropolitan Opera has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.