Works and Process has announced its 2026 season.

The Metropolitan Opera’s “Lincoln in the Bardo” by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek will be previewed with Metropolitan Opera general manager Peter Gelb moderating a discussion with the composer and librettist. Artists from the all-star cast will also perform highlights from the score. All are invited to continue the conversation at a reception in the rotunda following the presentation.

Performance Date: Oct. 5, 2026

Minnesota Opera will preview “The Many Deaths of Laila Starr”  by Kamala Sankaram and Minita Gandhi. Prior to the world premiere, join Ram V., Sankaram, Gandhi, and members of the opera’s creative team including director Mary Birnbaum, scenic designer Mimi Lien, costume designer Oana Botez, and choreographer Rohit Gijare for a conversation about their collaborative process, interwoven with cast members performing excerpts.

Performance Date: Oct. 12, 2026

The Washington National Opera will present a preview of “O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky” by Christopher Tin and Kelley Rourke. Artistic director Francesca Zambello moderates a panel with Christopher Tin,tKelley Rourke, and Jessica Lang. Performance excerpts featuring mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, tenor Bill Burden, and dancers offer a first look at the new production.

Performance Date: Oct. 18, 2026

The Santa Fe Opera will preview “Of One Blood”  by Brett Dean and Heather Betts. Before the opera’s American premiere at Santa Fe Opera in 2027, join the creators for a conversation about the work and hear arias.

Performance Date: Oct. 26, 2026

Join the revival of VOX. Launched by New York City Opera in 1999 to incubate grand scale new operas by contemporary American composers, the long dormant initiative reemerges following a much too long hiatus. At Works & Process, learn about this collaboration, and hear highlights of newly written works by composers selected by open call prior to the culminating presentation at PAC NYC

Performance Date: Nov. 16, 2026

Celebrate the season with members of The Metropolitan Opera Chorus Artists. As part of a beloved annual Works & Process tradition, the singers bring the museum’s iconic Frank Lloyd Wright–designed rotunda to life with the joyous sound of holiday music.

Performance Date: Dec. 13, 2026