(Credit: Ken Howard / Metropolitan Opera)

The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”  for the first time since 2019 in James Robinson’s production.

The opera will open on Dec. 2 and be performed 13 times. The production will feature conductor Kwamé Ryan in his company debut, leading a cast that includes bass-baritone Alfred Walker and soprano Brittany Renee in their Met role debuts as Porgy and Bess. Soprano Vuvu Mpofu makes her Met debut as Clara, sharing the role with soprano Jazmine Saunders. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green will sing Crown, baritone Benjamin Taylor will take on Jake, and tenor Frederick Ballentine will reprise his celebrated portrayal of Sportin’ Life.

Sopranos Latonia Moore and Leah Hawkins share the role of Serena, and mezzo-soprano Tichina Vaughn performs the role of Maria for two performances.

Most notably, the run will also showcase the final operatic performances of Denyce Graves, who will retire from the stage following her closing performance as Maria on Jan. 24, 2026.

The Dec. 2 and Jan. 24 performances of “Porgy and Bess” will be broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio on the SiriusXM app.

Read Related Stories