Christine Goerke, as the Reverend, sings an excerpt from Act II in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Lileana Blain-Cruz. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Videography by Pete Scalzitti and Neville Braithwaite. For her latest opera, Missy Mazzoli turned to George Saunders’s 2017 novel, which centers on Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his son. In some Buddhist philosophies, a “bardo” denotes a transitional plane between one state and the next, and in the context of Saunders’s novel, it is a purgatory-like realm where souls not fully reconciled with their earthly deaths linger before moving onto the next life. In translating this tale for the stage, Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek distilled the sprawling novel to its essential elements, while nonetheless maintaining the work’s prismatic tone, which ranges from deep melancholy to broad farce, heartbreaking grief to life-affirming acceptance. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
Metropolitan Opera
Attraction · West Side
Location
Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 · Get Directions
Metropolitan Opera Videos
The Met Chorus, as the ghosts of the bardo, sings an excerpt from Act I in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Lileana Blain-Cruz. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Videography by Pete Scalzitti and Neville Braithwaite. For her latest opera, Missy Mazzoli turned to George Saunders’s 2017 novel, which centers on Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his son. In some Buddhist philosophies, a “bardo” denotes a transitional plane between one state and the next, and in the context of Saunders’s novel, it is a purgatory-like realm where souls not fully reconciled with their earthly deaths linger before moving onto the next life. In translating this tale for the stage, Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek distilled the sprawling novel to its essential elements, while nonetheless maintaining the work’s prismatic tone, which ranges from deep melancholy to broad farce, heartbreaking grief to life-affirming acceptance. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
During the Live in HD transmission, host Anthony Roth Costanzo speaks with Lise Davidsen and Quinn Kelsey about their roles and Louisa Proske’s new production. 2026–27 season. Verdi’s opera is a powerful musical interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless drama of ambition and its personal cost. Raising questions of fate, superstition, and power, it marks an important step on the composer’s path from his more conventional earlier efforts to the integrated musical dramas of his mature years. The chilling subject matter drove Verdi to compose one of his most charged, viscerally gripping scores, with the composer insisting that the drama was not served by purely beautiful lyricism.
Anthony Roth Costanzo, as Miss Elise Traynor, sings an excerpt from Act I in the final dress rehearsal, alongside the Met Chorus. Production: Lileana Blain-Cruz. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Videography by Pete Scalzitti and Neville Braithwaite. For her latest opera, Missy Mazzoli turned to George Saunders’s 2017 novel, which centers on Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his son. In some Buddhist philosophies, a “bardo” denotes a transitional plane between one state and the next, and in the context of Saunders’s novel, it is a purgatory-like realm where souls not fully reconciled with their earthly deaths linger before moving onto the next life. In translating this tale for the stage, Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek distilled the sprawling novel to its essential elements, while nonetheless maintaining the work’s prismatic tone, which ranges from deep melancholy to broad farce, heartbreaking grief to life-affirming acceptance. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
Janai Brugger, as Mrs. Francis Hodge, sings and excerpt from Act I in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Lileana Blain-Cruz. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 2026–27 season. Videography by Neville Braithwaite and Pete Scalzitti. For her latest opera, Missy Mazzoli turned to George Saunders’s 2017 novel, which centers on Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his son. In some Buddhist philosophies, a “bardo” denotes a transitional plane between one state and the next, and in the context of Saunders’s novel, it is a purgatory-like realm where souls not fully reconciled with their earthly deaths linger before moving onto the next life. In translating this tale for the stage, Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek distilled the sprawling novel to its essential elements, while nonetheless maintaining the work’s prismatic tone, which ranges from deep melancholy to broad farce, heartbreaking grief to life-affirming acceptance. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
“Genuinely spectacular” 🤩 Stars from stage, screen, music, and beyond including Dua Lipa, Bowen Yang, and Amy Poehler joined us for the world premiere of Lincoln in the Bardo—one of the hot tickets of the fall. Videography by Muriel Steinke / Met Opera #theater #opera #nyc #music #books
More in West Side
More Attractions
Metropolitan Opera News
Rotunda Holiday Concert With The Metropolitan Opera Chorus Artists to Take Place at Works & Process
Works & Process will present a holiday concert featuring members of The Metropolitan Opera Chorus at the Guggenheim's Frank Lloyd Wright-designed rotunda in New York.
Rotunda Holiday Concert to Feature Metropolitan Opera Chorus Artists
Works & Process will present members of The Metropolitan Opera Chorus performing holiday music in the Guggenheim's Frank Lloyd Wright-designed rotunda. Tickets start at $30.
Melbourne Opera Reveals 2027 Season Lineup With PARSIFAL and More
Melbourne Opera announced its 2027 season featuring four full-scale productions, including a new staging of Richard Wagner's PARSIFAL that completes the company's history-making Wagner cycle.
MESSIAH Will Herald Holiday Season at Camerata Chicago
Conductor Drostan Hall leads Camerata Chicago in performances of Handel's MESSIAH and ZADOK THE PRIEST across Illinois venues, featuring countertenor Key'mon Murrah and mezzo-soprano Camille Robles.
LUMINOSITY to Feature World Premiere of Richard Einhorn Work
Musica Viva NY will present a choral concert exploring light through compositions spanning nine centuries, from Hildegard von Bingen to contemporary works, with a world premiere featuring taiko drumming.
LUMINOSITY Will Present World Premiere of Einhorn's The Radiant Ground
Musica Viva NY performs a choral concert exploring light through works spanning nine centuries, featuring the world premiere of Richard Einhorn's commissioned piece with Soh Daiko Japanese Taiko Drumming Ensemble at All Souls NYC.
Photos: Josh Mostel to Receive Mensch Award at Borscht Belt Film Fest
Josh Mostel, son of legendary Zero Mostel, will receive the Mensch Award at Borscht Belt Film Fest in Ellenville. The actor will also participate in a conversation about his father's legacy and his role in the festival entry BAD SHABBOS.
Classical Arts: Cherubini's Medea at the Met, an ABT World Premiere & More in NYC This Week
NYC classical guide for Oct. 26-Nov. 1: Medea and Tosca open at the Met, ABT premieres a new ballet, plus Tippett and a free Juilliard Halloween show.
Jonathan Biss, VOX - November Events in NYC
Pianist Jonathan Biss celebrates Marlboro's 75th anniversary with chamber music at Peoples' Symphony Concerts, while VOX: American Voices Opera Lab offers a preview of four finalist operas at the Guggenheim under Beth Morrison's creative direction.
Tom Hanks & Kelli O'Hara To Star In THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on Broadway
Tom Hanks and Kelli O'Hara will reprise their roles in This World of Tomorrow on Broadway in fall 2027. Kenny Leon will direct the new play by Hanks and James Glossman following its 2025 run at The Shed.
THIS NOW NAKED LIFE to Make Debut at New York Festival of Song
New York Festival of Song will present THIS NOW NAKED LIFE, a program of contemporary vocal works curated by pianist Nathaniel LaNasa, featuring world premiere selections from composer leiken's I HAVE BEEN THE BLUE SALMON.
FEARLESS PASSION to Open at Carnegie Hall in InterHarmony Concert Series
InterHarmony International Music Festival will present an evening of chamber works at Weill Recital Hall, featuring performances by violinists, cellists, and pianists interpreting operatic themes of love and defiance.
New World Symphony to Present MOZART'S REQUIEM with Stephanie Childress
New World Symphony makes its first-ever performance of Mozart's Requiem under guest conductor Stephanie Childress, joined by the Master Chorale of South Florida and four soloists at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Fang Tao Jiang to Present BEL CANTO: FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE at Carnegie Hall
Soprano Fang Tao Jiang returns to Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall with pianist Jonathan C. Kelly and guest artists for a concert spanning classical and contemporary works, with proceeds supporting the SolAria Music Foundation's Emerging Young Artist Scholarship.
HANDEL'S MESSIAH and Women's Ensemble Holiday Concerts Will Come to Music Worcester
Music Worcester will present two holiday traditions: The Worcester Chorus performs HANDEL'S MESSIAH at Mechanics Hall, followed by the Worcester Chorus Women's Ensemble Holiday Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Metropolitan Opera Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the closest subway stops to Metropolitan Opera?
-
The closest subway stops to the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center are the 66th Street-Lincoln Center station (served by the 1 train) and the 72nd Street station (served by the 1, 2, and 3 trains). Both stations are just a short walk away from the opera house.
If you're looking for subway updates or want to plan your route, I recommend checking the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/. This website provides real-time updates on subway service changes, delays, and other important information.
Additionally, Lincoln Center is a cultural hub with a variety of attractions and activities. While you're in the area, I suggest exploring the beautiful Lincoln Center campus, which includes iconic venues like the David Geffen Hall, the David H. Koch Theater, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. You can also enjoy a stroll through the nearby Central Park or visit the nearby Columbus Circle, which offers shopping, dining, and great views of the city.
I hope you have a fantastic time at the Metropolitan Opera and enjoy everything that Lincoln Center has to offer!
- What's the best way to get to Metropolitan Opera by bus?
-
The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center is located on Broadway, between 63rd and 64th Streets. There are several bus stops near the opera house that you can use to get there. Here are the closest ones:
1. Broadway/W 64 St: This bus stop is right in front of the Metropolitan Opera. You can check the latest bus schedules and routes on the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/.
2. Broadway/W 63 St: This bus stop is just a few steps away from the opera house. You can find more information about bus routes and updates on the MTA website mentioned above.
3. Columbus Circle: This is another nearby bus stop located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, and 59th Street. From here, it's a short walk to the Metropolitan Opera. For bus schedules and real-time updates, visit the MTA website.
Remember to check the MTA website for any changes or service disruptions before you travel. Enjoy your visit to the Metropolitan Opera!
- How much time should I plan to spend at Metropolitan Opera?
-
The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City depends on a few factors. If you are a passionate opera lover and want to immerse yourself in the full experience, I would recommend setting aside an entire evening. Most opera performances at the Met have a runtime of approximately three to four hours, including intermissions.
However, if you have a tight schedule or are looking for a shorter visit, you can consider attending a matinee performance. Matinees typically start in the afternoon and have a shorter runtime, usually around two to three hours. This allows you to enjoy a world-class opera performance without dedicating your entire evening.
Keep in mind that the Met is not just about the performance itself. The iconic Lincoln Center, where the opera house is located, offers stunning architecture, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. Arriving early or staying after the show to explore the surroundings can enhance your overall experience.
In conclusion, plan to spend an evening at the Metropolitan Opera for a complete opera experience, or opt for a matinee if you have limited time. Either way, you are in for a treat of exceptional music, talented performers, and a memorable night in the heart of New York City.
- Can I bring food and drinks into Metropolitan Opera?
-
The Metropolitan Opera in New York City has a food and drink policy that allows patrons to bring beverages into the theater, but outside food is not permitted. You can purchase drinks and snacks at the opera house's concession stands before the performance and during intermission. They offer a variety of refreshments, including soft drinks, coffee, wine, beer, and light snacks. Enjoy your time at the opera, and don't forget to indulge in some treats during intermission!
- Does Metropolitan Opera offer luggage storage?
-
The Metropolitan Opera in New York City does not have a luggage storage policy. However, they do have a coat check service available for patrons to store their coats and small personal items during performances. It is important to note that large bags or suitcases are not allowed inside the theater, so it is best to make arrangements for storing your luggage elsewhere before attending a performance at the Metropolitan Opera. There are several luggage storage services available in the city, such as luggage storage facilities near major transportation hubs or at hotels that offer this service to non-guests for a fee.
- Is Metropolitan Opera a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?
-
Absolutely! The Metropolitan Opera in New York City is a fantastic experience for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the performances are primarily in Italian, French, German, and Russian, the Met provides English translations in the form of projected supertitles above the stage. This allows everyone in the audience to follow along with the story and fully appreciate the incredible vocal performances.
Attending a performance at the Metropolitan Opera is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of opera and experience the grandeur of one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. The stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and world-class talent make for an unforgettable evening.
If you're visiting from another country, be sure to check the Met's schedule in advance and book your tickets early, as performances often sell out quickly. Additionally, the Met offers backstage tours, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the opera house and its history.
So whether you're an opera aficionado or simply curious about this art form, the Metropolitan Opera is a must-visit destination for visitors to New York City, regardless of language proficiency.
- What ages are appropriate for Metropolitan Opera?
-
The Metropolitan Opera in New York City welcomes opera lovers of all ages! However, it is important to consider the length and content of the performances when bringing young children. While there is no strict age restriction, it is generally recommended that children be at least 8 years old to fully appreciate and enjoy the opera experience. The operas can be quite lengthy, often spanning several hours, so it's important to ensure that children have the attention span to sit through a performance. Additionally, some operas may contain mature themes or intense scenes that may not be suitable for very young children. Ultimately, it's up to the parents' discretion to determine if their child is ready for the opera.