Maria Stuarda
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About this experience
Book Maria Stuarda tickets for the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, where Donizetti's royal drama plays just six performances from 6 to 22 December 2026. Lisette Oropesa, fresh from her triumph in the Met's new I Puritani, sings Mary, Queen of Scots, opposite Angela Meade as Queen Elizabeth I, with René Barbera as Leicester, the man they both love. Enrique Mazzola conducts David McVicar's striking production. For lovers of bel canto singing, this is one of the season's essential nights. Maria Stuarda: the story Mary Stuart, the Catholic Queen of Scots, has been Elizabeth I's prisoner in England for years. The Earl of Leicester, loved by Elizabeth, persuades the English queen to meet her captive at Fotheringhay Castle. The meeting goes badly: insulted, Mary hurls back one of opera's most famous insults, and seals her fate. The opera, based on Friedrich Schiller's play, ends with Mary's dignified farewell before her execution in 1587. Donizetti's opera premiered at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 1835, and the confrontation between the two queens is invented: history records no such meeting. Maria Stuarda cast and production at the Met Lisette Oropesa sings Maria Stuarda and Angela Meade sings Elisabetta at every performance, with René Barbera as Leicester, Adolfo Corrado as Talbot, Mihai Damian as Cecil and Meridian Prall as Anna. Enrique Mazzola conducts. David McVicar's production has sets and costumes by John Macfarlane, lighting by Jennifer Tipton and choreography by Leah Hausman, with a bold contrast between Elizabeth's court and Mary's prison. Musically, listen for Mary's nostalgic opening aria, the explosive confrontation that ends Act I and her serene final prayer, the moments that make this one of the most demanding bel canto roles for a soprano. Maria Stuarda dates, running time and language Performances are on 6 December (3pm), 9 December (7:30pm), 12 December (1pm), 16 December (7:30pm), 19 December (8pm) and 22 December 2026 (7:30pm). The Met estimates 2 hours 55 minutes, with two acts of 75 and 65 minutes and one 35-minute intermission. Maria Stuarda is sung in Italian, with Met Titles in English, German, Spanish or Italian. The Met suggests it for ages 13 and up; the production uses cannon-fire effects. Best seats and booking Maria Stuarda tickets With only six dates, it is worth booking early. Bel canto is all about the voice, and the Met's sound is excellent across the house: Orchestra seats bring you closest to the two queens' confrontation, while Grand Tier and Dress Circle centre seats give a balanced view and sound. Balcony and Family Circle are the best value. See our Met Opera seating guide for every level. Maria Stuarda tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once booked. Plan your Maria Stuarda night at the Met Maria Stuarda plays the Metropolitan Opera House at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, next to the 66 St-Lincoln Center subway station. Read our Maria Stuarda at the Met guide, and see Christmas at the Met Opera 2026 for everything else on in December, including Samson et Dalila tickets and The Magic Flute tickets. Browse all Metropolitan Opera tickets.
Highlights
- Lisette Oropesa and Angela Meade as the two rival queens
- René Barbera as Leicester, Enrique Mazzola conducting
- David McVicar's production of Donizetti's royal drama
- One of the peaks of the bel canto soprano repertoire
- A short run of six performances, 6 to 22 December 2026
Before you go
Venue Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 Dates 6 to 22 December 2026 (six performances) Language Sung in Italian. Met Titles seat-back screens show translations in English, German, Spanish or Italian Estimated running time 2 hours 55 minutes, with one intermission 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+. The production uses cannon-fire effects Getting there 66 St-Lincoln Center station (1 train) is next to Lincoln Center Plaza
Cancellation terms
These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
Booking questions
What should I check before booking Maria Stuarda?
Confirm the date, participant types, inclusions and meeting point shown for your selected option. Extras and entry arrangements can vary between ticket types.
Can I cancel this ticket?
Read the policy for your selected date and ticket option. A product description is not a promise of free cancellation.
Will this experience be in my language?
Check the actual guide, audio or performance language on the booking page. A translated website does not guarantee a translated experience.
When is Maria Stuarda at the Metropolitan Opera?
Maria Stuarda plays six performances at the Met from 6 to 22 December 2026, on 6, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 22 December.
How long is Maria Stuarda at the Met?
About 2 hours 55 minutes, including one 35-minute intermission.
Who sings in Maria Stuarda at the Met?
Lisette Oropesa sings Mary, Queen of Scots, and Angela Meade sings Elizabeth I, with René Barbera as Leicester. Enrique Mazzola conducts.
What language is Maria Stuarda sung in?
Italian. Met Titles screens on every seat show translations in English, German, Spanish or Italian.
What is Maria Stuarda about?
Maria Stuarda is Donizetti's drama about Mary, Queen of Scots, and her rivalry with Elizabeth I, ending with Mary's execution in 1587. It is based on Schiller's play.
Did Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I really meet?
No. The two queens never met; their famous confrontation was invented for Schiller's play and Donizetti's opera.
Is Maria Stuarda suitable for children?
The Met suggests Maria Stuarda for ages 13 and up. The production uses cannon-fire effects.
Are there Maria Stuarda matinees?
Yes. The performances on 6 December (3pm) and 12 December 2026 (1pm) are matinees.
Where is Maria Stuarda playing?
At the Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, next to the 66 St-Lincoln Center subway station.
Can I cancel my Maria Stuarda tickets?
No. Maria Stuarda tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once booked, so check your date and seats before you pay.
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