The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Eugene Onegin.” The company said that Ukrainian Baritone Iurii Samoilov will sing the title role, replacing the originally scheduled Russian baritone Igor Golovatenko. Golovatenko also recently canceled a new production of “Rigoletto” at the Bayerische Staatsoper and “Un Ballo in Maschera” at the Paris Opera. Samoilov made his {…}
(Credit: Karen Almond) In his book, “A New Philosophy of Opera,” director Yuval Sharon notes that “Tristan und Isolde,” alongside “Pelléas et Mélisande” are not only two of the most difficult operas to stage, but “seem like a losing proposition” for any director to take on. He reflects on how oftentimes, director’s attempt to “find physical form for what the {…}
On March 9, the Metropolitan Opera will reopen for the back-half of its 2025-26 season. At the core of that reopening will be its new production of “Tristan und Isolde,” headlined by Lise Davidsen and selling so well that another show had to be added. While that would suggest a wave of positivity for the company heading into the final {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announce the 23 semifinalists for the Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. The semifinals, which are set to be held on March 15, 2026, will be held on the Met stage before a panel of judges and will also be available for public viewing via livestream. Laffont alumni Brittany Olivia Logan and Miles Mykkanen will {…}
(Credit: Gregor Hohenberg) The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Madama Butterfly.” The company said that “soprano Aleksandra Kurzak will sing the role of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly,’ replacing Sonya Yoncheva, who has withdrawn from the run due to family reasons.” Kurzak will perform on March 14, 18, 21, and 27, 2026 alternating with {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has released numbers for its first half of its 2025-26 season. According to a report from the Associated Press, the first half of the 2025-26 season has seen ticket sales rise to 72 percent from 70 percent in the first half of 2024-25. General Manager Peter Gelb noted that the sales have come back to what they {…}
Peter Gelb has announced that he plans to retire at the end of the 2030. The news comes as the Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2026-27 season and as he marks his 20th anniversary with the company. According to the Associated Press the General “says he intends to retire when his current contract expires in 2030.” He said, “That certainly {…}
A concert by the name of “Lamb of God” is set to be presented at the Metropolitan Opera. The concert, which is presented in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be shown on March 30 and will feature Rob Gardner conduct his work focused on the death, Atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The even {…}
On Episode # 8 of the OperaWire podcast, David and Francisco Salazar discuss the Met Opera’s financial issues, opera’s connection to “Heated Rivalry,” the new “Tristan und Isolde” production, and the Oscars. Listen here: Or watch on Youtube:
(Credit: Photo: Karen Almond / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to present an abridged, English-language version of Massenet’s “Cinderella” in HD. The performance from Jan. 1, 2022 will be shown in select U.S. theaters on Feb. 14 and 18, with additional dates in the Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Finland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, {…}
(Credit: Evan Zimmerman) The Metropolitan Opera is in the midst of a revival of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” in the acclaimed production by Anthony Minghella. The opera has one of the most complex soprano roles in the repertory, a role that requires stamina as well as vocal agility to shift from lyrical lines to intense dramatic passages. Luckily for this revival {…}