Think The Met Opera’s Being All Brave And Innovative? Been There, Done That, Says Julius Rudel

During his two decades running New York City Opera, Rudel commissioned 12 operas and presented 26 world or US premieres. “Recruiting directors from outside opera? Mr. Rudel brought in Harold Prince, Jerome Robbins, Margaret Webster and José Quintero. He cultivated the company’s identity as one that emphasizes the total musical and theatrical impact of a production over the star system, although he nurtured his share of stars.”