Jenůfa

About this experience

Book Jenůfa tickets for the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, where Claus Guth's new staging of Janáček's gripping village drama plays six performances from 16 November to 4 December 2026. Soprano Asmik Grigorian sings the title role and Nina Stemme returns to the Met as the Kostelnička, Jenůfa's formidable stepmother, with Tomáš Hanus conducting. Guth's production was hailed at its London premiere, and this is one of the most talked-about dramas of the Met's autumn. Jenůfa: the story In a remote Moravian village in the late 19th century, Jenůfa is pregnant by the charming but careless Števa. His jealous stepbrother Laca, who also loves her, slashes her face in a rage. When Števa abandons her, her stepmother, the Kostelnička, makes a terrible decision to save Jenůfa from disgrace. Janáček based the opera on Gabriela Preissová's play Její pastorkyňa (Her Stepdaughter), and it premiered in Brno in 1904. It is a story of shame, cruelty and, in the end, forgiveness, set to music that follows the rhythms of spoken Czech. Jenůfa cast and production at the Met Asmik Grigorian sings Jenůfa at every performance, with Nina Stemme as the Kostelnička, Sean Panikkar as Laca and Ryan Capozzo as Števa. Tomáš Hanus conducts. Claus Guth, whose 2025 Salome was one of the Met's great recent successes, directs, with sets by Michael Levine and costumes by Gesine Völlm. Expect a stark, psychologically intense staging that keeps the focus on the characters, and on the Kostelnička's devastating Act II monologue, one of the great dramatic scenes in 20th-century opera. Asmik Grigorian has sung Jenůfa in this production before, at the Royal Opera in London. Jenůfa dates, running time and language Performances are on 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30 November and 4 December 2026. Evening shows start at 7:30pm, and the two Saturday matinees on 21 and 28 November start at 1pm. The Met estimates 3 hours 30 minutes, with three acts of 50, 55 and 40 minutes and two intermissions. Jenůfa is sung in Czech, with Met Titles in English, German or Spanish, so you can follow every word. The Met suggests it for ages 13 and up, as it contains violence and discussions of infanticide. Best seats and booking Jenůfa tickets Jenůfa is an intimate drama on a big stage, so seats closer in reward you most. Orchestra seats put you near the singers' faces, and Grand Tier and Dress Circle centre seats give a clear, raised view of Guth's staging. Balcony and Family Circle are the best value, and the Met's sound carries well to the top. Our Metropolitan Opera House seating guide explains each level. Jenůfa tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once booked. Plan your Jenůfa night at the Met Jenůfa plays the Metropolitan Opera House at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, next to the 66 St-Lincoln Center subway station. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early, as latecomers are seated only at the intermission. Read our Jenůfa at the Met guide for background on Janáček's score. In late November and December you can also book Samson et Dalila tickets and La Bohème tickets, or see all Metropolitan Opera tickets.

Highlights

• Asmik Grigorian in the title role
• Nina Stemme as the Kostelnička
• Claus Guth's new staging, acclaimed in London
• Tomáš Hanus conducts Janáček's powerful score
• Six performances, 16 November to 4 December 2026

Before you go

Venue Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 Dates 16 November to 4 December 2026 (six performances) Language Sung in Czech. Met Titles seat-back screens show translations in English, German or Spanish Estimated running time 3 hours 30 minutes, with two intermissions Arrival The house opens 45 minutes before curtain. Latecomers are seated only at an intermission Casting Met productions play in repertory and casting can change Age guidance Suggested for ages 13+. Contains violence and discussions of infanticide Getting there 66 St-Lincoln Center station (1 train) is next to Lincoln Center Plaza

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.