It has been announced that Donald Palumbo, one of Peter Gelb’s first hires, will step down as director of the Metropolitan Opera chorus at the end of this season. He will have covered 17 stressful years and is now 75 years old.
Yannick Nezet-Seguin said: ‘Donald Palumbo is a true legend in the opera world and in the chorus world. Having started as an opera chorus conductor myself, I have always looked to Donald as an inspiration. Our collaborations in my years as guest conductor and since becoming Music Director have been some of the greatest joys of my life. Donald will forever leave his mark on the unparalleled artistry of the Metropolitan Opera. Under his leadership, the chorus has never sounded better.’