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Met Opera Dares to Open with a Classic
19 Feb
Summary
- Met Opera's 2026-27 season features world premiere of 'Lincoln in the Bardo'.
- Season opener will be Verdi's 'Macbeth', a break from recent tradition.
- The company plans 17 productions, a reduction from previous seasons.
The Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2026-27 season, highlighted by the world premiere of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek's "Lincoln in the Bardo." This new opera, based on George Saunders's novel, marks the 32nd world premiere in the company's history.
However, the season will commence with a revival of Verdi's "Macbeth," a shift from the recent tradition of opening with a new production. General Manager Peter Gelb explained this decision was influenced by the casting of Lise Davidsen as Lady Macbeth, a significant box office draw.
The programming reflects the Met's ongoing strategy to balance audience demand for traditional operas with the introduction of new works. The upcoming season will present 17 productions, a reduction from 18 this season and a larger decrease compared to pre-pandemic numbers, underscoring the company's financial adjustments.
The schedule also hints at a potential rivalry with the New York Philharmonic, led by Gustavo Dudamel, particularly with both institutions planning performances of Puccini's "Tosca" in November. Gelb acknowledged the need for better coordination to avoid such scheduling conflicts.
Other notable productions include the New Year's Eve gala performance of Puccini's "La Fanciulla del West" and the Met premiere of Kevin Puts's "Silent Night," a co-production with Houston Grand Opera.
