Opera Matinee

Strauss's final opera, from 1942, is subtitled "A Conversation Piece for Music." A lighthearted competition between a poet and a composer -- a rivalry of words and music -- for a countess's attention. A recorded performance by the Salzburg Festival, conducted by Christian Thielemann.

Metropolitan Opera Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads this performance of Strauss's rarely-heard opera, Die Frau ohne Shatten, composed 1911-15 and renowned for its intricate psychological depth and lavish score, an allegorical tale of rebirth and human connection through love, marriage and children.

Commissioned through the Metropolitan Opera/Lincoln Center Theater New Works Program, Grounded depicts one woman’s journey from combat pilot in the U.S Air Force to drone operator. A thrilling, adaptation of an award-winning play by George Brant, it explores the psychological tolls of modern warfare, as well as the roles of women in the armed forces and in society at large. Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

A beloved holiday tradition, Mozart’s enchanting musical fairy tale, The Magic Flute, returns in the Metropolitan Opera's abridged, English-language production, perfect for family audiences, in this tale of rescue from darkness to light and enlightenment.  Kathryn Lewek stars as the blazing Queen of the Night.

A deliciously festive holiday tradition, the Metropolitan Opera’s staging of Humperdinck’s sweeping interpretation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, representing triumph over evil within a frame of grace and humor. An archive production from 1982 with Frederica von Stade and Judith Blegen.

Les contes d'Hoffman (The Tales of Hoffmann) is Offenbach's opéra fantastique based on three short stories by E. T. A. Hoffmann, a series of vignettes in which a poet reflects on the facets of three past loves, from youthful passion to mature affection. A recorded performance with Benjamin Bernheim in the title role.

Rigoletto, Verdi's mid-to-late career heartbreaking masterpiece, is based on a controversial play by Victor Hugo of an outsider -- a jester who serves a corrupt court -- who is subjected to a curse for revenge while struggling to maintain the one beautiful element of his life. Featuring Luca Salsi in the title role.

Puccini's Tosca, a piercing drama of love between artist Mario Cavaradossi and singer Floria Tosca torn apart by cruelty and jealousy, set against political unrest in Rome. A recorded performance from the Metropolitan Opera, featuring Lisa Davidsen in the title role.

One of Giuseppe Verdi’s most enduring classics, Aida, a tragic love story of forbidden love between members of warring factions, set in ancient Egypt. Grand opera with magnificent choruses, elaborate ensembles and beautiful arias. A new production from the Metropolitan Opera, featuring Angel Blue in the title role.