The Metropolitan Opera of New York City is the most prestigious opera company in the United States and one of the world's best. Its first performance was Gounod's Faust on October 22, 1883. Following a rocky beginning, which saw early financial deficits and a serious fire in 1892, the company's basic approach was rethought. The great days of the "Met" then began under the management of Henry E. Abbey and Maurice Grau. The Metropolitan came through World War I all right, but suffered during the Depression. Not until after World War II did it regain its former glamour. In September 1966, the company moved to new quarters in Lincoln Center.