All fun and games 🤣 Over the course of two decades of live cinema presentations, we’ve gotten up to our fair share of mischief behind the scenes. Be a part of the fun when the new season of The Met: Live in HD kicks off this fall. #opera #classicalmusic #theater #comedy #music
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While in Paris as part of their recent European Festival Tour, members of the Met Orchestra brass section were honored to make an unforgettable visit to the historic Notre-Dame de Paris. As the sun rose over the city, the musicians offered a special performance of Gabrieli’s “Canzon per Sonar Septimi Toni à 8” from atop the terrace of the construction site of the cathedral. Discover more about the ongoing restoration of this international cultural landmark at rebatirnotredamedeparis.fr/en Musicians featured include Javier Gándara, Molly Norcross, and Barbara Jöstlein (horns); Billy R. Hunter, Jr. (principal trumpet); Ray Riccomini and Nathan McKinstry (trumpets); Sasha Romero (principal trombone); and Nicholas Schwartz (trombone). Videography by Pete Scalzitti
During their recent European Festival Tour, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and members of the Met Orchestra visited Lucerne’s Richard Wagner Museum, where they gave a special performance of the Siegfried Idyll, which premiered on the villa’s staircase on Christmas morning 1870. Videography by Pete Scalzitti Musicians featured include Benjamin Bowman (concertmaster), Angela Wee (principal associate concertmaster), Jeremías Sergiani-Velázquez (principal second violin), Sylvia Danburg Volpe (associate principal second violin), Zoë Martin-Doike (viola), Rafael Figueroa (principal cello), Rex Surany (principal bass), Seth Morris (principal flute), John Upton (principal oboe), Anton Rist (principal clarinet), Shari A. Hoffman (clarinet), Evan Epifanio (principal bassoon), Erik Ralske (principal horn), Hugo A. Valverde (horn), and David Krauss (principal trumpet).
This season at the Metropolitan Opera, experience the unparalleled power of the greatest voices in the world. The Voice Must Be Heard.
Stairway to Heaven 🎻 During their recent European Festival Tour, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and members of the Met Orchestra visited Lucerne’s Wagner Museum, which is located in a villa that the composer called home from 1866 to 1872. While there, Maestro Nézet-Séguin led the musicians in a memorable performance of the Siegfried Idyll—which premiered on the villa’s staircase on Christmas morning 1870—and had the opportunity to sit down at Wagner’s own piano. Musicians featured include Benjamin Bowman (concertmaster), Angela Wee (principal associate concertmaster), Jeremías Sergiani-Velázquez (principal second violin), Sylvia Danburg Volpe (associate principal second violin), Zoë Martin-Doike (viola), Rafael Figueroa (principal cello), Rex Surany (principal bass), Seth Morris (principal flute), John Upton (principal oboe), Anton Rist (principal clarinet), Shari A. Hoffman (clarinet), Evan Epifanio (principal bassoon), Erik Ralske (principal horn), Hugo A. Valverde (horn), and David Krauss (principal trumpet). Videography by Pete Scalzitti / Met Opera #music #classicalmusic #opera #orchestra #theater
Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek’s new opera, based on George Saunders’s hit novel, has its world premiere in a dazzling production by Lileana Blain-Cruz. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts. 2026–27 season. On stage Oct 19–Nov 14. American composer Missy Mazzoli arrives at the Met with a bewitching adaptation of George Saunders’s Booker Prize–winning novel. Set in the “bardo,” the intermediate state between this life and the next, the opera examines Abraham Lincoln’s grief following the loss of his son and follows the boy as he struggles to move on to the next life. To tell this otherworldly story, Mazzoli crafts a score that draws inspiration from leading contemporary composers while conjuring a genre-defying sound-world distinctly her own. Buy tickets at the box office, on the Met Opera app, or at metopera.org.
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Metropolitan Opera News
OPERA ITALIANA IS IN THE AIR Returns to Central Park With HARMONIES OF PEACE
Opera Italiana Is in the Air will return to Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell on September 21, 2026 for Harmonies of Peace, a free concert featuring Daniela Machado, Alessio Borraggine and the world premiere of Ethan Hsu's everwander.
2026 Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction- A Full Guide
The big day is almost here! It is one of the most anticipated events of the season for theater lovers. The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction is about to take over the Theatre District and we have all info you need to prepare yourself for the big day!
MADAMA BUTTERFLY & NIXON IN CHINA to Launch Washington National Opera Season
Washington National Opera opens its first independent season at DAR Constitution Hall with productions of Puccini's Madama Butterfly and John Adams's Nixon in China, plus a special concert featuring Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson. Single tickets are now on sale.
Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Lots Now Open for Early Bidding
Broadway fans can now get a jumpstart on the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, as online pre-bidding is open. Participating shows include The Lost Boys, Schmigadoon! and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), plus more.
ABT to Host Final Performances of Herman Cornejo and James Whiteside
American Ballet Theatre announced that principal dancers Herman Cornejo and James Whiteside will conclude their careers with the company during ABT's Metropolitan Opera House season.
The Michael O’Neal Singers Present FEEL THE SPIRIT Featuring Soloist Indra Thomas
The Michael O'Neal Singers will present John Rutter's choral cycle celebrating African American spirituals at Roswell United Methodist Church, featuring internationally recognized soprano Indra Thomas.
American Dance Guild to Present 70th Anniversary Festival This Fall
The American Dance Guild will present more than 30 contemporary dance works at its four-day festival, honoring influential artists including Nai-Ni Chen, Paul Sanasardo, Carla Maxwell and Janet Collins.
SALOME to Open Seattle Opera's 2026/27 Season at McCaw Hall
Seattle Opera will present Richard Strauss's SALOME, marking the opera's return to the company for the first time in over two decades, with Brenda Rae in the title role.
MIRÓ QUARTET, Susanna Phillips to Headline Bridgehampton Chamber Music's Fall Series
Bridgehampton Chamber Music's autumn series will bring the MIRÓ QUARTET, soprano Susanna Phillips, and a Baroque holiday program to Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church on Long Island.
Kwamé Ryan to Extend Charlotte Symphony Tenure Through 100th Season
Grammy-winning conductor Kwamé Ryan will remain music director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra through its upcoming 100th anniversary season under a new four-year contract extension.
ABT Principals Herman Cornejo and James Whiteside to Give Farewell Performances
American Ballet Theatre announced that Principal Dancers Herman Cornejo and James Whiteside will conclude their performing careers with the company during an upcoming Metropolitan Opera House season.
Michael Mayer and More Named to Berkeley Repertory Theatre Board of Trustees
Berkeley Repertory Theatre has elected six new trustees to its volunteer Board of Trustees. The new trustees begin three-year terms on the board, bringing a wide range of professional expertise, community engagement, and a commitment to the theatre.
Odyssey Opera to Present Rare Works by THE SECOND NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL
Odyssey Opera will open its season with a one-night concert at NEC's Jordan Hall featuring rarely performed works by Edward MacDowell, Amy Beach and George Whitefield Chadwick, including a Boston premiere.
Zachary James to Join Ruth Stage's NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH Off-Broadway
Grammy-winning actor Zachary James will play attorney Flint in Ruth Stage's Off-Broadway production of Ayn Rand's courtroom drama at Theatre Five at Theatre Row in New York City.
Nicoletta Berry, Joshua Blue, Maria Brea & Jorell Williams to Celebrate Adolphus Hailstork at Merkin Hall
Marshall Opera will celebrate composer Adolphus Hailstork's 85th birthday year with an October 13 concert at Merkin Hall featuring Nicoletta Berry, Maria Brea, Joshua Blue and Jorell Williams.
Metropolitan Opera Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the closest subway stops to Metropolitan Opera?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.