Samson et Dalila

About this experience

Book Samson et Dalila tickets for the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, where Saint-Saëns's spectacular biblical epic returns from 27 November to 23 December 2026. Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina sings the seductive Dalila opposite tenor Clay Hilley, who makes a notable company debut as Samson, with Quinn Kelsey as the High Priest of Dagon and Giacomo Sagripanti conducting. With a massive orchestra and chorus, the famous Bacchanale and Darko Tresnjak's larger-than-life production, it is one of the grandest evenings of the Met's December. Samson et Dalila: the story In Gaza around 1150 BCE, the Hebrews live under Philistine rule until Samson, a leader of legendary strength, rouses them to revolt. The Philistines send Dalila, a priestess of Dagon, to discover the secret of his power. In the Valley of Sorek she seduces him with the aria "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (My heart opens to your voice), one of the most famous mezzo-soprano arias ever written. Betrayed, blinded and enslaved, Samson prays for his strength to return, and brings the temple of Dagon down on his enemies. Ferdinand Lemaire wrote the libretto from the Book of Judges, and the opera premiered at the Grand Ducal Theater in Weimar in 1877. Samson et Dalila cast and production at the Met Aigul Akhmetshina sings Dalila and Clay Hilley sings Samson at every performance, with Quinn Kelsey as the High Priest of Dagon and Morris Robinson as the Old Hebrew. Alfred Walker sings Abimélech, with Thomas Hall on 15 December. Giacomo Sagripanti conducts. Darko Tresnjak's production, which opened the Met's 2018 season, has sets by Alexander Dodge, costumes by Linda Cho, lighting by Donald Holder and choreography by Austin McCormick. Expect huge sculptural sets, saturated colour and a full-scale Bacchanale in the final act. Samson et Dalila dates, running time and language Performances are on 27 November and 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 18 and 23 December 2026. Most start at 7:30pm, with an 8pm show on Saturday 12 December and a noon matinee on Saturday 5 December. The 1 and 5 December performances are filmed for the Met's Live in HD cinema series. The Met estimates 3 hours 35 minutes, with three acts and two 40-minute intermissions. Samson et Dalila is sung in French, with Met Titles in English, German, Spanish or French. The Met suggests it for ages 10 and up; it contains brief nudity and the production uses haze and strobe effects. Best seats and booking Samson et Dalila tickets Choose your date, then pick a level. Grand Tier and Dress Circle centre seats give the best view of Tresnjak's huge stage pictures and the temple's collapse, while Orchestra seats are closest to the singers. Balcony and Family Circle are the best value. Our Metropolitan Opera House seating guide compares every level. Samson et Dalila tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once booked, so check your date before you pay. Plan your Samson et Dalila night at the Met Samson et Dalila plays the Metropolitan Opera House at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, next to the 66 St-Lincoln Center subway station. The two long intermissions leave time for dinner or dessert at the Grand Tier Restaurant. Read our Samson et Dalila at the Met guide and Christmas at the Met Opera 2026. December also brings Maria Stuarda tickets and The Magic Flute tickets; browse all Metropolitan Opera tickets.

Highlights

• A cornerstone of French grand opera, with a huge orchestra and chorus
• Aigul Akhmetshina sings Dalila opposite Clay Hilley in his company debut
• Quinn Kelsey as the High Priest of Dagon, Giacomo Sagripanti conducting
• Darko Tresnjak's spectacular production, with the famous Bacchanale
• Runs 27 November to 23 December 2026 at Lincoln Center

Before you go

Venue Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 Dates 27 November to 23 December 2026 Language Sung in French. Met Titles seat-back screens show translations in English, German, Spanish or French Estimated running time 3 hours 35 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 10+. Contains brief nudity; uses haze and strobe 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.