New York's Metropolitan Opera experienced a cyberattack for more than 30 hours that affected its website, box office, and call center. This prevented the institution from selling tickets. 

(Photo : ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
View of the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on October 5, 2018 in New York City. - The Metropolitan Opera is digging deep into its bag of tricks as it attempts to lure in younger generations more familiar with "Mozart in the Jungle" than its long-dead inspiration.

The Met Opera Attack

According to Bloomberg's report, Metropolitan Opera in New York experienced a cyberattack that incapacitated its ticketing system. Normally, the Met Opera handles $200,000 in sales each day. The attack took place on December 7th.

The website states, "However we are currently experiencing network issues that are impacting our website, box office and call center. Rush tickets will not be made available for this evening's performance. Thank you for your patience."

Despite this, performances for 'Aida' and 'The Hours' proceeded on the following day, despite no new tickets being sold for the following shows. This includes the discounted last-minute program called 'Rush Ticketing'.

General Manager Peter Gelb stated. "Other than the stage and our singers, nothing is working." Gothamist reported that it remains unclear who was responsible for this attack but the F.B.I. was already alerted to the current situation of the company. 

As of the moment, tickets can be purchased through the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts temporarily. However, exchanges and refunds are not possible since Met Opera's system is very limited. The institution will only process refunds and exchanges once normal operations have resumed.

Potential Motive

(Photo : ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - The Met Opera and Chorus performs during "A Concert For Ukraine" at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center on March 14, 2022 in New York City. - Ticket sales from the benefit performance will support Ukrainian citizens and relief efforts.

As per The New York Times, Russia could be the reason behind this attack. Especially since the Met Opera has been very vocal in its support of Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Just this year, the institution organized a concert to benefit the efforts in the country.

Before this, the company announced that it would cut ties with performers and other institutions that have voiced their support for the country and the president.

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Met's Stand 

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko also parted ways with the Met Opera last March, as she failed to comply with the company's demand on distancing herself from Russian President Vladimir V. Putin during these times.

"While we believe strongly in the warm friendship and cultural exchange that has long existed between the artists and artistic institutions of Russia and the United States, we can no longer engage with artists or institutions that support Putin or are supported by him," Gelb stated.

Aside from Netrebko, the company might have also ended its collaboration with the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia, for the new production of Richard Wagner's 'Lohengrin' in February 2023. Although, no announcements have been released by the institution regarding this matter.

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