Met plans first midseason break

For the first time in its 120-year history, New York’s Metropolitan Opera will take a break in the middle of its season.

The change at the tradition-bound Met starts with the 2004-05 season. It takes into account decreased ticket sales after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and will allow for a better rehearsal schedule, Met general manager Joseph Volpe said.

With no performances at the Metropolitan Opera House during the weeks of Jan. 10 and 17, 2004, the Met season will extend until May 22, forcing the American Ballet Theater to push back its annual two-month season there.