Met Opera Opens Season with a Playful, Bloody 'Macbeth'
The Metropolitan Opera opened its 2026-27 season on September 23 with a new production of Verdi's 'Macbeth,' directed by Louisa Proske. The staging blends gothic horror with campy spectacle, featuring a large coven of witches, acrobatic sword fights, and a rotating set. Critics praised the vocal performances of Lise Davidsen and Quinn Kelsey, as well as Yannick Nézet-Séguin's conducting, though some noted a lack of psychological depth in the central couple's dynamic.
Key points
- Louisa Proske, co-founder of Heartbeat Opera, directed the production after original director Bartlett Sher withdrew to work on a Dolly Parton musical.
- The staging features a coven of 12 witches who act as protagonists, surveillance the action, and interact with the main characters.
- Lise Davidsen and Quinn Kelsey made their Met debuts in the title roles, with Davidsen praised for her vocal color and Kelsey for his baritone power.
- Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducted the orchestra, balancing vibrant brass with delicate dynamics to support the singers.
- The production runs through October 20, with Rafael Davila replacing Freddie De Tommaso as Macduff on October 3.
Background
The Met Opera has faced recent controversies regarding its cultural programming, including backlash over the Met Gala's tribute to John Galliano in 2026. This season's opening marks a return to classical opera, with 'Macbeth' serving as the traditional season opener. The production replaces a previous staging by Bartlett Sher, who left to direct a musical about Dolly Parton.
How outlets are covering it
Vulture's Justin Davidson described the production as 'gloriously ghoulish' and 'sporadically campy,' praising the chorus and the visual spectacle but noting that Davidsen's Verdi style lacked rhythmic bounce and that the couple's dynamic felt disconnected. New York Classical Review's Rick Perdian called the performance 'impassioned' and 'atmospheric,' highlighting the vocal precision of Kelsey and Davidsen and the conductor's sensitivity, though he found Banquo's portrayal disappointingly introspective. WWD focused on the celebrity attendance, noting the presence of Katie Holmes and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the Halloween-themed costumes of the audience.
Why it matters
The production marks the Met's return to a traditional opera season opener after a period of experimental programming and public controversy. It also highlights the transition of directors from indie opera companies to major institutions, with Proske's leap from Heartbeat Opera to the Met being a notable career milestone. The vocal performances of Davidsen and Kelsey are seen as career-defining moments for both artists.
What to watch
The production will continue at the Met through October 20. Rafael Davila will sing Macduff on October 3. The Met will likely announce its next season's programming in the coming months, with potential for further experimental or controversial choices.
- The Met’s Macbeth Is a Bubbly, Boiling Cauldron of Operatic Fun Vulture
- Met Opera’s New Season Opens With Verdi’s ‘Macbeth’ The New York Times
- ‘Macbeth’ Review: A Ferocious Start to the Met Opera’s Season WSJ
- Katie Holmes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and More at the Met Opera Opening Night [PHOTOS] wwd.com
- Met opens season with impassioned vocalism in an atmospheric “Macbeth” New York Classical Review
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