The 2026-27 season is about to begin and audiences are getting ready to choose performances as they head back to the opera. With so much to choose from, OperaWire is breaking down 10 opera productions that are must-sees.

“Lincoln in the Bardo” at the Metropolitan Opera – Oct. 19-Nov. 14, 2026

The Metropolitan Opera is set to present its commissioned piece by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. The new work based on the George Saunders novel is a supernatural story that takes place in the “bardo,” a transitional plane between the end of this life and the beginning of the next, populated by those who resist all the powers of light and darkness and refuse to accept their fates. The action revolves around 11-year-old Willie, recently deceased son of Abraham Lincoln, whose grief-stricken visits to Willie’s tomb prevent his son’s spirit from moving on.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Steven Osgood conduct the new work, which will star baritone Peter Mattei, soprano Christine Goerke, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, soprano Janai Brugger, and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo. The cast is also rounded out by Ryan McKinny, Michael Mayes, Joshua Blue, Everett Sobers, and Michael Hurst. Lileana Blain-Cruz directs.

“Otello” at the Teatro alla Scala – Dec. 7, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027

“Bluebeard’s Castle” Tour – Nov. 28 – Dec. 7, 2026

While this is technically not a production, Anna Netrebko will be going on tour singing the role of Judith in Bartok’s famed one-act opera. The soprano, who is known for her Italian and Russian repertoire, will sing her first Hungarian work causing for much curiosity and anticipation. She will sing the opera alongside rising star bass Alexander Köpeczi and conductor Henrik Nánási and the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The tour will begin at the Teatro Real and will be showcased in Basel, Vienna, Roma and ending in Budapest.

“Eine Florentinische Tragödie” & “Herzog Blaubarts Burg” at Wiener Staatsoper – Oct. 3-12, 2026

The Wiener Staatsoper will present an experimental double bill of two short operas; Zemlinsky’s “Eine Florentinische Tragödie” and Bartok’s “Herzog Blaubarts Burg.” Both operas are linked by a central theme: the progressive recognition of the only seemingly familiar counterpart.

Vasily Barkhatov directs the two works with stellar casts led by Dmitry Golovnin, Christopher Maltman, Asmik Grigorian, and Florian Boesch. Alain Altinoglu conducts.

“Mary Queen of Scots” at the San Francisco Opera – Sept. 20-Oct. 4, 2026

Composer Thea Musgrave’s famed work brings one of history’s most captivating figures to the stage. The opera tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots, who at just 18-years-old, is poised, politically savvy, and confident in her divine claim to the Scottish throne. However, the Scotland she returns to bears little resemblance to the one she left behind as a child, and she will need every ounce of resolve to hold onto her crown.

The opera will showcase Clelia Cafiero conducting a production by Stewart Laing. The cast will include Heidi Stober in the title role, Thomas Mole, Thomas Kinch, Christopher Sokolowski, Hadleigh Adams, David Soar, Philip Skinner, Olivier Zerouali, Chance Jonas-O’Toole, Sadie Cheslak, Sofia Gotch, Mary Hoskins, and Alexa Frankian.

“Un Ballo in Maschera” at Royal Opera House – Nov. 30-Dec. 18, 2026

The Royal Opera House will present a new production of Verdi’s masterpiece directed by Philipp Stölzl who will make his company debut. The production will feature stunning costumes by Antony McDonald and movement direction by Sarah Fahie.

Music Director Jakub Hrůša will lead the production with a starry cast that includes Charles Castronovo, Malin Byström, Aleksei Isaev, Anita Rachvelishvili, Kseniia Nikolaieva, and Katharina Konradi. The cast will be rounded out by Armand Rabot, Ossian Huskinson, Edward Hawkins, and Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono.

“Maria Stuarda” at Bayerische Staatsoper – Dec. 20, 2026-July 10, 2027

Donizetti’s masterwork will get a new production with two reigning bel canto divas. First Nadine Sierra will make her role debut of the title role, adding another bel canto role to her repertoire, and later in the season, Lisette Oropesa will bring her acclaimed interpretation following productions in Salzburg, Madrid, and New York.

They will be joined by Anastasia Bartoli, who is renowned for her bel canto work, Iván Ayón Rivas, Riccardo Fassi, Emily Sierra, and Martina Myskohlid. Antonino Fogliani conducts the new production by Donizetti expert Francesco Micheli.

“Susannah” at Houston Grand Opera – Oct. 23-Nov. 8, 2026

“La Vestale” at Berlin State Opera – Sept. 26, 2026-May 8, 2027

Sonya Yoncheva adds another exciting role to her growing repertoire in Spontini’s famed but rarely performed work. The superstar soprano will sing the opera in Lydia Steier’s new production alongside an exciting cast that includes David Butt Philip, Marina Prudenskaya, Siyabonga Maqungo, Adrian Sâmpetrean, and Hanseong Yun.

Carlo Rizzi will conduct the 1807 opera which first premiered in Paris and became a huge success in the nineteenth century.

“A River Runs Through it” at Opera Montana – Sept. 18-Oct. 4, 2026

Zach Redler, Matt Foss and Kelley Rourke’s new opera based on Norman Maclean’s novella, “A River Runs Through It” makes its world premiere at Opera Montana. The work which is is a semi-autobiographical account of Maclean’s relationship with his brother Paul and their upbringing in an early 20th century Montana family will be conducted by Michael Sakir and directed by Foss.

The opera will feature an instrumental ensemble of 24 musicians and a cast of seven principal singers in the story’s central roles including Schyler Vargas, Michael Kuhn, Christine Taylor Price, Ryan Bryce Johnson, Megan Marino, Phyllis Pancella, and David Pittsinger.

Montana PBS will film the world premiere performances for a future broadcast.