The Metropolitan Opera Reaching Millions Through Its Legendary Saturday Broadcasts

The Metropolitan Opera’s Saturday Matinee Radio Broadcasts have brought world-class opera directly into homes, cars, and classrooms—removing barriers of geography, cost, and access.  As the longest-running classical music program in American radio history, the broadcasts have aired continuously since Christmas Day 1931, and in the 2024–25 season, they continued to fulfill their mission of providing free, high-quality opera to a global audience.

The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation’s multi-year support to The Metropolitan Opera has been instrumental in sustaining and expanding the reach of the Saturday Matinee Broadcasts. 

During the 2024–25 season alone, the broadcasts reached an estimated 8.5 million listeners through 121 U.S. stations and in 36 countries worldwide—fulfilling a mission first launched on Christmas Day in 1931: to make exceptional opera freely available to everyone.

This season balanced beloved classics with bold new works, including four Metropolitan Opera premieres by acclaimed composers Jeanine Tesori, Jake Heggie, Osvaldo Golijov, and John Adams—bringing contemporary voices and diverse stories to a global audience. The programming also featured treasured archival performances and audience favorites, underscoring the Met’s commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation.

Listener engagement went far beyond the music. Pre-show features, intermission interviews, panel discussions, and historical insights deepened the experience, while digital Playbills provided synopses and artist biographies. The season’s Listeners’ Choice broadcast celebrated a historic 1966 performance, selected directly by audiences—highlighting the powerful connection between the Met and its listeners.

The broadcasts were guided by host Debra Lew Harder and longtime commentator Ira Siff, alongside a dedicated Media Department team whose behind-the-scenes expertise ensured both editorial excellence and technical precision.

For many, the impact is deeply personal. One listener from Michigan shared how Saturday matinees became a cherished holiday tradition in childhood—and are now a way to introduce opera to the next generation. Stories like these reflect the program’s unique ability to foster connection, learning, and cultural enrichment across decades and communities.

Looking ahead, the 2025–26 season promises even more: eighteen new productions, eight historical broadcasts, and another Listeners’ Choice event in May 2026—continuing a legacy that blends artistic excellence with broad public access.

Thanks to the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation’s continued support, the Metropolitan Opera’s Saturday Matinee Broadcasts remain a vital cultural lifeline—preserving history, amplifying new voices, and sharing the transformative power of opera with millions around the world.