Discover the rich history of New York City's Metropolitan Opera through a series of fascinating and enlightening commentaries by Alfred Hubay, whose career at the Met spanned over six decades.

Season by season, Mr. Hubay discusses in great detail what he has witnessed at the world-renowned opera house, from his beginnings in 1943 as an usher through his impressive rise into management. His time begins under Edward Johnson, General Manager between 1935 and 1950, and continues through the Rudolf Bing years.

He shares his insights with producer Donald Collup as part of an extended project called the Operatic PastCast, which consists of 23 years of memories and experiences. Recording sessions began on February 10, 2011 and continued through July 20, 2012.

Mr. Hubay began his career at the Metropolitan Opera as an usher on October 3, 1943 and has been formally associated with the House for 62 years! His first performance was Boris Godunov on November 22, 1943. This means that he heard Ezio Pinza, for example, sing the title role not once, but eight times.

His memory is biblical in content, colorful in word, and vivid in his descriptions of his vast knowledge of the House.

In 1956, Mr. Hubay was promoted to Chief Usher. He became House Manager in 1960, and eventually Box Office Manager in 1962. After retiring in 1987, he continued to serve as a valued consultant until 2005. Throughout this period, he appeared as a panelist on the Opera Quiz during the Texaco Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts for 38 consecutive years.

In 1978, he was given the Verdi Medal for Achievement by the Metropolitan Opera National Council.

It is Mr. Hubay's desire that, through his reminiscences, you may experience the enriching world of opera.

On October 3, 2018, Mr Hubay died 75 years to the day after beginning his long career at the Met. Fortunately for us, he preserved many of his most cherished memories and observations within the following conversations. Enjoy.