Met Opera's 2026-27 season has 17 productions, its fewest in at least 60 years

Despite encouraging box office figures, the financially strapped Metropolitan Opera scales back its 2026-27 schedule.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Metropolitan Opera in New York City announced its 2026-27 season will have only 17 productions, the lowest total in at least 60 years. The company is facing financial challenges but has seen ticket sales rebound to pre-pandemic levels. The season will feature revivals of popular operas like "Tosca," "La Bohème," and "Aida" to reduce costs, while also including five new stagings and the world premiere of "Lincoln in the Bardo."

Why it matters

The Met Opera's reduced schedule reflects the ongoing financial pressures facing major arts organizations, even as ticket sales have recovered. The company is experimenting with extended runs of popular works to cut costs, while still trying to attract new and younger audiences with new productions. This season's schedule provides insight into how the Met is navigating the post-pandemic landscape.

The details

The Met Opera's 2026-27 season will have just 17 productions, the lowest total in at least 60 years. There will be only five new stagings, with revivals of three popular operas - Puccini's "Tosca" and "La Bohème," and Verdi's "Aida" - accounting for 71 of the 187 individual performances. Met general manager Peter Gelb said the extended runs of these works "makes more sense" financially. Ticket sales this season are up to 72%, close to pre-pandemic levels, but the average ticket price is slightly lower due to more discounted tickets for younger audiences.

  • The 2026-27 season will open on September 22, 2026 with a new production of Verdi's "Macbeth."
  • The world premiere of Missy Mazzoli's "Lincoln in the Bardo" is scheduled for October 19, 2026.
  • The company premiere of Kevin Puts' "Silent Night" is set for March 8, 2027.

The players

Peter Gelb

The general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, who says he plans to retire when his current contract expires in 2030.

Lise Davidsen

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

Christine Goerke

The singer who will star in the world premiere of Missy Mazzoli's "Lincoln in the Bardo."

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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 (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Met's 60th season at Lincoln Center will be celebrated with a gala performance on May 25, 2027.

The takeaway

The Metropolitan Opera's reduced 2026-27 season reflects the ongoing financial challenges facing major arts organizations, even as ticket sales have rebounded. By focusing on extended runs of popular works, the Met is experimenting with ways to cut costs while still investing in new productions to attract younger and more diverse audiences.