Peter Allen is signing off after 29 years as announcer of New York's Metropolitan Opera's Saturday afternoon radio broadcasts.
Allen is retiring after having completed the Met's 2003-04 broadcast season on April 24.
"Except for my marriage, the broadcasts — and preparing for them — have been the richest experience of my life. I'll miss them and the many helpful friends I've been lucky enough to work with," the 84-year-old said Tuesday. "But the broadcasts are demanding, and it's probably best for them and me to sign off while I'm ahead."
Allen said he still planned to be involved with opera in some way.
"We have been very fortunate to have Peter Allen as the voice of the Met on the air for so many years," said the opera's general manager, Joseph Volpe. "His vast knowledge of opera and his assured, unflappable presence have added interest and dignity to our broadcasts, and we will sorely miss him."
Allen, a Toronto native, took over as host in January 1975 after Milton Cross, the broadcast's original announcer since 1931, died suddenly. He has also worked as an actor, announcer and narrator in radio, television and film.