Met Opera scales back 2026-27 season to just 17 productions

Financially strapped company cites tight budget despite improved ticket sales

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Metropolitan Opera has announced a scaled-back 2026-27 season, with just 17 productions - the fewest in at least 60 years for a non-truncated season. The company cites a tight budget, even as ticket sales have improved slightly from pandemic lows. The season will feature revivals of popular operas like "Tosca," "La Bohème," and "Aida" to help reduce costs.

Why it matters

The Met's decision to significantly reduce its programming for the upcoming season reflects the ongoing financial challenges facing the company, despite a modest recovery in ticket sales. This move raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the Met's operations and its ability to maintain its status as one of the world's premier opera houses.

The details

The Met will present just 5 new stagings next season, with 71 of the 187 individual opera performances (38%) coming from revivals of 3 popular Puccini and Verdi operas. General Manager Peter Gelb said the strategy is to "present these works in extended runs" and "double-casting them" to be more economical. Ticket sales are up to 72% this season, compared to 70% in the first half of 2024-25, but Gelb noted the average ticket price is slightly lower due to a younger, more discounted audience.

  • The 2026-27 season will open on September 22, 2026.
  • The world premiere of Missy Mazzoli's "Lincoln in the Bardo" is scheduled for October 19, 2026.
  • A gala marking the Met's 60th season at Lincoln Center is planned for May 25, 2027.

The players

Peter Gelb

The general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, who has worn "two hats" - artistic and financial - in guiding the company through its financial challenges.

Lise Davidsen

The soprano who will star in the new production of Verdi's "Macbeth" that opens the 2026-27 season.

Missy Mazzoli

The composer whose opera "Lincoln in the Bardo" will have its world premiere during the 2026-27 season.

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What they’re saying

“It makes more sense for us, and this is an experiment — to present these works in extended runs. And by double-casting them, it also is more economic in terms of how many different shows are playing in one week.”

— Peter Gelb, General Manager, Metropolitan Opera (wnyt.com)

“One of my goals at the Met is to stimulate new audiences with new works. This one was one of the most successful we've presented so far.”

— Peter Gelb, General Manager, Metropolitan Opera (wnyt.com)

What’s next

The Met's 2026-27 season will open on September 22, 2026 with a new production of Verdi's "Macbeth" starring soprano Lise Davidsen.

The takeaway

The Metropolitan Opera's decision to significantly scale back its 2026-27 season reflects the ongoing financial challenges facing the company, even as ticket sales have modestly improved. This move raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of one of the world's premier opera houses and its ability to maintain its artistic ambitions in the face of budgetary constraints.