Metropolitan Opera Debuts Lincoln in the Bardo
The production marks a historical milestone as the first world premiere by a woman composer at the Metropolitan Opera.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Opera
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The Metropolitan Opera has opened the world premiere of the opera Lincoln in the Bardo in New York City. The production features a score by Missy Mazzoli, who is the first woman composer to have a world premiere staged at the house.
Why it matters
This production represents a historic shift in programming at the Metropolitan Opera as it showcases the work of a woman composer on its main stage. The opera utilizes unique staging elements to interpret the metaphysical themes of the source material.
The production features 65 opera singers performing on kazoos to establish the otherworldly setting. The narrative arc has been condensed to focus on five characters derived from the original novel.
The players
Missy Mazzoli
She is the composer of the opera and holds the distinction of being the first woman to have a world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera.
Christine Goerke
She is an opera singer who plays the role of the Reverend in this production.
George Saunders
He is the author of the novel upon which the opera is based.
Metropolitan Opera
It is the premier opera company located in New York City that hosts the world premiere of the new production.
The details
The production incorporates puppets and pyrotechnics to depict transitions between realms of existence. The orchestral score is designed to signal the movement of characters between states of being, supplemented by the intentional sound of kazoos.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: The opera opened at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Industry Dynamics
This premiere breaks a significant barrier in the opera world by elevating a woman composer to the Metropolitan Opera stage for the first time. The move indicates a broader industry trend toward expanding the canonical repertoire with contemporary voices.
Local audiences can attend the new production at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Ticket availability and seating tiers remain subject to the standard booking procedures of the venue.
The takeaway
The use of experimental staging like puppets and pyrotechnics highlights how modern composers are updating traditional forms for contemporary audiences. Interested theatergoers should consider the thematic density of the adaptation when planning their visit.
Further reading
Explore more performances and industry news on our Opera page.
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