Of course, this is something you try at least once in your life. The experience is magical, transcendent, opulent yet approachable. I saw Tristan and Isolde this past weekend. Can't wait to go again. Lunch at the Grand tier restaurant was also next level. Must have the Ora salmon. read more

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Absolutely unbeatable experience! Everyone should see an opera here at least once if they can! The Met's staging is unparalleled and the performers amazingly talented. The building is one of my favorites in New York, worth a visit just to take it all in, and don't miss the displays in the basement level of costumes and other memorabilia. read more

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I've seen multiple operas now. Absolutely loved the shows. My favorites were Don Giovanni and madama butterfly. Wanted to like Carmen and magic flute more. Unfortunately the short version of the magic flute didn't do it for me wish they performed the origins not in English. Sets are stunning and the singers and musicians are world class. Beautiful building but seats feel a bit cramped. Would highly recommend! read more

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Since its invention in the late 16th century in Italy, precisely in Florence, opera (the Italian word for "work") has been an art form that tells a story through music and singing. Unlike a musical, opera singers do not use microphones to amplify their voices. The music is played by the orchestra and is completely live. Creating opera needs more than just a script and music. It needs a great set designer, costumes, and a director who puts it all together. Over the centuries, it changed a lot, transformed, and evolved, but it will always remain tied in some way to its Italian origins. Situated within NYC's Lincoln Center performing arts plaza, the Metropolitan Opera is the largest classical music facility in North America and is also one of the leading opera houses in the world. Upon entering, the grandeur and elegance of the venue sweep one's off your feet. My partner and I were fortunate to obtain tickets in the orchestra for Puccini's Turandot this Saturday afternoon. It's a good opera for beginners due to its iconic music, spectacular scale, and relatively accessible storyline, especially the famous aria "Nessun dorma." The interior was interwoven with art, paintings, murals, and statues, but the lavish red carpet and spectacular chandeliers were something. The seating was comfortable, the acoustics could not be better, carrying every note with breathtaking clarity, and we loved the subtitles on the small screen in front of each seat. Throughout the theater, the staff was incredibly kind & accommodating during our visit!! We don't often go to the opera, but this was a wonderful exception! Bravi! read more

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Nice experience. Very beautiful opera house located in New York City. The seats were comfortable and the subtitles were nice.

Always a special night out at the Met. Sat on the grand circle, which I loved. Lots of fantastic performers on stage and I had decent leg soon at my seat read more

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AMAZING experience watching Le Boheme. The staff welcomed us and was very happy to guide and provide directions to our seats. The bartenders during the intermissions were friendly and quick. The theatre is verbally located in an amazing plaza. The seats are comfortable and the closed captioning on the seat backs makes Opera super accessible. The disabled and hard of hearing areas were also very accessible however they ran out of rentable opera glasses. They coat $3 which again, accessible! read more

The Metropolitan Opera - La Bohéme - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

Opera review of sonambali. Excellent show and soprano. Everything was great from seats to technology to translate to staff etc. highly recommend for a night out of culture and art folk viewing. read more

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I wouldn't say I'm a theater or arts enthusiast but its always a treat to come to the Metropolitan Opera. Its a glamorous experience for everyone. Velvet, gold and crystal everything- timelessly classic. With the family circle starting at 25$ per ticket there's also an affordable option for everyone. Classic pieces are shown with artistic and modern twists. Subtitles are present in the seats in front of you. I think every New Yorker and visitor should experience the opera atleast once in their lives. read more

The Metropolitan Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

We are here at the Madame butterfly opera and the first act was awesome. Wife and I have never been and were super excited. Made a day out of it, and the opera house is beautiful. First act was fantastic. Great synergy between the choreography, the singing and the music. Best ever heard and we were loving it. Now let's talk about the intermission. We bought lite apps at the resteraunt that is on their website to promote, and it's also awesome. Again, great atmosphere and ambiance. Sat by the window and just felt great We paid our bill and started downstairs to our very expensive seats. We then hear, lights are going out. By the time we are at the door the extremely rude usher pushed back and stated you can't go in until 50 minutes into the second act. Which means, 2nd act is done. They do not give you any warning that the second act is about to start except 30 seconds before to say lights are going out. Now, we are in the viewing room watching the second act on a TV in a separate room. Total BS to spend a small fortune and have it , just about ruined by the opera house with no warning the curtain is going up. Wife and I are beyond upset. Don't think we are ever coming back. Would rather go to any local small opera house that give a crap about the patrons, and not charge the small fortune to have a night at the opera. See pic of their wonderful "viewing room." Update: moved it to 2 stars because the 3rd act was even better then the first. What a spectacular show. read more

The Metropolitan Opera - The Viewing Room at the Met Opera house. - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

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I went to my first opera at the Metropolitan Opera last weekend, and I had an amazing time. The Met Opera has been in its house at Lincoln Center since 1966. The location is convenient, and the opera house is really stunning. The travertine facade, the murals, the terrazzo cantilevered stairway, the chandeliers...there's so much to look and see. The beauty of the opera house is equal to the quality and opera of the company. The lines to the restrooms can get a little long, but opera intermissions are long enough to give you time to go to the bar and the bathrooms. The bars had great options; I had a glass of champagne before the opera and an espresso at intermission, but I saw people enjoying sandwiches, espresso martinis, and more. The house has a restaurant that opens two hours before every performance, so there's also a chance for a full meal before an opera if you choose. The opera company's season is always interesting - they do classics, but they also do world premieres of new, modern, and contemporary operas. (My first opera was the Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay - a modern opera for sure, and I really enjoyed it.) The Met couldn't be more well renowned. It's deserving of its reputation. My first opera was amazing, and I'm looking forward to my next in May. read more

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Tristan and Isolde is the clearest example yet of the rapid decline of the Met under maestro Yannick. This production is bizarre from beginning to end. Almost none of the action is visible on the stage itself--everything takes place inside an oval window suspended above it. The singers are forced to climb along the edges of this oval while singing, which makes the whole staging feel awkward and distracting. Meanwhile, on the main stage, there is a second scene featuring two additional characters who seem to be modern-day doubles of Tristan and Isolde. They wander around in contemporary clothing, acting in ways that are often confusing and, at times, in direct competition with the real singers performing above them. To complete the effect, the music is amplified to such a loud level that it overwhelms the excellent voices of the cast. The result feels chaotic--a production praised mostly by a circle of newly self-appointed "experts" who seem to congratulate one another on how far this trend toward gimmick and excess can go. Meanwhile, the Met continues to lose longtime followers, relying on traditional productions like La Bohème to bring in audiences. This great house deserves better. The wisest step would be for Yannick to step aside and allow a more traditional artistic leader to guide the Met back to its true strengths. read more

Perhaps one of the rudest experiences I have had. We got here 20 minutes early and were waiting in line. I even had gotten the box office tickets in time. However, there were significant delays in getting people screened and allowing them to enter. In spite of their excess delays, they would not let people who were late get seated. What's worse is that there were clear biases based on who they allowed to have a seat at the opera. The staff that directed me showed me the exit to the theater and I spent 30 minutes walking around outside trying to get back in. When I found an entranced I was grilled by the staff about how I could have even gotten a ticket to the opera. What? Like I stole it coming in?!? Seriously, waaaaayyyy too much attitude. Anyway, I will absolutely not bother coming back here. IG: QueenOfAdventureNYC read more

Low rating was how the situation was handled in regards to seats ($400 each) sold to us has zero leg room and we were in formal dress like lost for Bocelli. The local attendent and house manager did not even come look and besides sitting facing back of opera we had to akwardly navigate strangers arms/ legs/ hair / space. We had Zero leg room so I was sitting turned into man next to me. My friend whom was 6'2 had harder time in his seat. when I called to complain to Met as to why they re even selling these seats they had zero care nor willingness to understand situation. Totally disregard my comment as remove those ridiculous not even existing seats - greed! I used love MeT and it obviously is an incredible place but definitely not the customer service. But they do hound you for donations on phone repeatedly. Shame on you MeT. read more

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Wonderful opera, with gorgeous costumes, set, and music, but extremely rude staff, yelling and shining flashlights, and we got no programs. I won't return. read more

Baby's first Opera and it was magical! My cousin is a classically trained pianist and he was looking for someone to see the latest production of Carmen. As a fan of music in all forms, I volunteered as tribute. The opera house is quite beautiful and also quite big. Different vibe than a broadway theater for sure. Security was a breeze and staff very hospitable. We had family circle tickets, which hopefully my nose didn't bleed on the people below me, but all in all I was still able to see (the gentleman next to us brought binoculars, which isn't a bad move). I was there for the music mostly. That's not to say anything negative about the production. Actually I liked it better than I thought I would. The setting and stage direction were set in modern times and were giving Fast and Furious vibes. I wasn't mad about it! Carmen herself is not a nice woman. But no spoilers here So happy I was able to experience this. Something tells me it won't be my last opera. read more

The Metropolitan Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

Experienced Madame Butterfly last night and i cannot recommend it enough.Beyond the amazing voices; the visual artistry accompanying the story inspired your eyes with dreamy figures and rich moving colors. Production was incredibly creative and combination of dance to the story and use of reflections and shadow dancers and puppets ght it to visual awe. Go see for yourself how magical this Experience is. Your ears, eyes, and soul will thank you. MISTAKE TO MISS read more

I brought my daughter to see Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) on our Christmas trip to NYC, and it was a lovely experience. Granted, this opera house might not dazzle you with its splendor in a similar way to the opera houses in Paris or Vienna but once the curtain lifts, it all changes. The 2-hour performance was quite a treat, both to the eyes (the costumes, the stage set design) and the ears (superb delivery by the cast). read more

The Metropolitan Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

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Saw the ABT performance of Swan Lake. The theater is majestic and refined- a very different vibe from Geffen Hall. The orchestra was fabulous. I'm not an opera aficionado, but the staging and costumes were beautiful. I admired the elegance and athleticism of the dancers. Seeing a ballet in this amazing setting is worth doing at least once, even if you aren't a ballet fan. It's a life experience. read more

Lincoln Center is a funny place. The grandeur of this iconic, modernist building -- with its towering columns and sweeping staircases, evokes a feeling of NY majesty -- as if you are entering a temple to the arts. If you look closer at the names on the stairs, the seat backs and perhaps even the bathroom faucets, you are also reminded that plenty will pay to be visibly associated with its legacy. This setting was the perfect backdrop to the emotive power of the Madame Butterfly performance this particular evening. I could say a lot of things about this opera -- beautiful, dated, a little weird with the puppets. However, I also discovered that night that transcendent Italian song also has sedative quality -- yeah I rested my eyes a bit. Sorry Cio-Cio-San! read more

The Metropolitan Opera - Adorned ceiling of opera hall - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

It was such a great experience at the Metropolitan Opera. Our friend gave us 2 very good Orchestra section tickets for Tosca. What we did not realize was the traffic in NYC. Google map said 15 min drive, but it took over an hour to get there. Sunday in the city, lots of street events, blocked roads, and cars everywhere! So, we got there 10 minutes after it started, we were led to a different theater by the main hall, the opera was shown on a screen. I counted, there were about 70 people in this theater, more came in after us. I guess we weren't the inly ones misjudged the traffic! After the first act, we were able to get to our seats. They were so close with great view and audio. But just soaking in the grandness of the opera hall was great enough! read more

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Paid $200/ticket...they would not give all of our party a program!?! WTF. Ushers were rude and acted as if I was an intruder. How TF are you going to a premium event and the staff treats you like you don't have a ticket. Was sooooo excited to come to the Met#BucketListItem I am ready for the show and my heart is racing and I am pissed. Ruining my experience for sure. Opera itself was Amazing!!! Sucks the staff is horrible. read more

(Attended 06/18/2024 TU @ 7:30pm): I was as polite as possible when I finally met this opera house! I recently checked another item off my travel bucket list by attending an event or performance at The Metropolitan Opera House. I was truly fascinated by the many world-renowned arenas, houses, stadiums, etc., that staged live events and theatrical performances, and "The Met" was one I thought would be easily achieved sooner than later. The Metropolitan Opera was founded in 1883, with its first opera house built on Broadway and 39th Street by a group of wealthy businessmen who wanted their own theatre. Years later, as part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Wallace K. Harris designed the current theatre that opened in 1966. Since then, it became a vibrant home for the most creative and talented choreographers, conductors, composers, dancers, designers, musicians, singers, stage directors, and visual artists from around the world. The theatre was the largest repertory opera house in the world with 3,800 seats, was home to the Metropolitan Opera Company and hosted the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) during the summer. Were my expectations of this opera house met!? PURCHASE Tickets/Seats ($205.00 x2): Located in the Parterre Rear Level Section 21 Seats 7 & 8, these were in the 2nd level above the orchestra, the 2nd of three rows within the section, provided excellent sight lines that were just off stage right, and comfortable individual seats. Honestly, there were no bad areas in the house unless you were in the far wings, and the only obstruction would be if someone sat in front of you (or in our case, an annoying young woman who kept moving side-to-side). https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0wOp00X5uHw6SBCfiAP3pQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Ticket Service Fee ($5.00): This was unimaginably low and greatly appreciated! Lanson Brut Le Rosé Champagne 4floz Glass ($26.00 x2): Pink color, roses strawberry aroma, low body, fruity strawberry flavor, crisp effervescent finish, and slightly dry strawberry aftertaste - a nice bubbly! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=sa_AeGYu8mqW9UJMlJ9xgw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw THE PERFORMANCE This was the opening night of both American Ballet Theatre's (ABT) 2024 Summer Season and the performance of "Onegin", a three-acts six-scenes ballet with a 139-minutes running time. The story was easy to follow, the pace was nice, I loved the music, and the dancing was phenomenal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LhqUDB758zz3L87SWWkd2Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw SERVICE The online ticket purchase was seamless, the check-in line inside the venue went swiftly, there was no line when we bought our champagne, and security was chill. One cool thing to point out was a unique system of real-time translation called "Met Titles", which appeared on individual scenes mounted on the back of each row of seats for those members of the audience who wish to utilize them, but with minimum distraction for those those who do not; titles are provided to all performances in English, Spanish, and German, and are also provided in Italian for Italian-language operas. Everything was easy-peasy! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance): We took a Lyft there ($49.00) and a bus back ($2.50 x2). Otherwise, located underneath Lincoln Center was the public 24-hours self-parking Lincoln Center "park and lock" Plaza Parking Garage, with varied rates ($28.00 - $63.00). Buses and subways were cheaper and efficient options. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE At roughly 3,800 capacity, my immediate impression was a dated smaller Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, with its use of chandeliers throughout. There were several bar locations to get your drink on with short lines, special areas for members only and such, and the requisite souvenir shop. Plenty of natural lighting shone through the large tall glass windows and doors into the lobby, while the aforementioned eclectic ceiling chandeliers lit up the rest. I didn't notice any monitors nor any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=327U3ORvTcWHBfBshi5r_A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE In general, it was a business affair with a suit, tie, and dress shoes. However, I jealously observed many men casually dressed in my favorable t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops - dammit! OVERALL I loved The Metropolitan Opera House and would love to see an actual opera next. It was cool to finally experience a performance here. The sound quality was very good, and everyone should try and support the arts. They also offered 75-minute tours ($25.00-$35.00) if you were interested. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $467.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tips). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more

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Ah MET dear MET how do I LOVE thee⁉ Let me count the ways... I've loved this world class opera theater since my young days as a professional coloratura soprano studying alongside of NEC colleagues and later MET stars like Denyce Graves, Haijing Fu, Lisa Saffer, Ann Panagulias, to name a few. It's always magical, and bucket list worthy if you've never experienced it. WOW doesn't cover it. It's first class the way opera was meant to be enjoyed. Not a bad seat in the house. The feeling of excitement and inspiration as you sit and the iconic chandeliers begin to raise up, the light dim and the music begins! It's the transformative stuff of dreams. I can't possible write enough to describe the emotional and physical sensations. You are transported to another glorious entrancing world. Thank you Metropolitan opera, for keeping the art of centuries old tradition fresh and alive! It's one of the most lovely human art expressions in existence. You make us all artists proud‼ read more

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It's always a beautiful night at the metropolitan opera's stunning residence at Lincoln Center. I have a good friend in their young artists program and it's been so fun to learn more about the behind the scenes of opera! Some of my favorite performances this year include Mozart's Magic flute and Verdi's Rigoletto! read more

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This was my first experience at the Opera (we saw Madame Butterfly). The experience was great but the seats in the balcony were tight, small and uncomfortable. As a person with allergies, the carpet and velvet walls drove me crazy. Aside from those minor inconveniences, I had a good time. read more

The Metropolitan Opera - MET Booklet - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

The Met Opera house was absolutely beautiful inside and it was my first time at the Opera so I didn't know what to expect but it was so fancy. All the seats have screens in front of them for subtitles. The staff was very friendly and helpful, clean bathrooms, & the show was great. I would definitely go back to watch another one. read more

The Metropolitan Opera - View from the back right of the orchestra section - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

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Gorgeous opera house, known to be a top 10 in the world. Modern architecture with beautiful light fixtures. Clear view of the stage from any seat in Orchestra. No dress code, but many people are dressed up. Fun night read more

excellent... love the Metropolitan Opera... and especially that my sister Djassi was in the show! Make sure you see the photo exhibit and artwork downstairs! A real Opera history down there! read more

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This place is absolutely beautiful on the inside and to finally enjoy an opera was an amazing experience. Some people dressed up in fancy dresses and heels and others came casual. We had date night here so cocktails in the lobby were a must. I am already looking at the 2025 schedule so I can find my way back there. read more

I realize that this is one of the great cultural institutions of the western world, but hear me out. In 32 years of living here, we had never been to the Met. Sadly, it was to be our first and last visit. We live on Long Island, and rely on the Long Island Railroad to get us to the city. On this day, the 1:25 train decided that they could take an extra 20 minutes to come by Merrick. This got us into Penn Station almost at curtain time. We still had to take the #1 up to 66th street, which means we raqn up at about 3:15. After ticket check we were waved over to a corridor that led to the rest rooms. Others were milling about and lots more arrived. We assumed that we would quietly be led to our expensive ($350 ) seats at some point. We were wrong. We were told that we would have to sit out the entire first act - more than an hour. But wait! There was a screening room next door, where you could presumably get a better view ot the show we were missing than offered by the 40 inch monitor in front of our couch. We were so disgusted that we just sat it out. After the hour, we found our actual seats, and witnessed the last two acts. They were well played and well sung and generally spectacular, but we couldn't help feeling that we had been ripped off. Again, on most days the opera probably deserves all of those 5 star reviews. We weren't there on a good day. As momentous as they are, they treated me badly and made my wife cry. In doing so, they have spawned two enthusiastic enemies for life. read more

The Metropolitan Opera - Looking towards the entrance. - Opera & Ballet Near Me - New York, New York

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This is the most phenomenal night out one can have in Manhattan! Great singers, sets, costumes, music, the Met Opera is the HIGHEST art form, second to none! Be sure to check out the series that they offer the beginning of the season where you can get a deep discount by ordering tickets for at least 3 opera's. MetOpera is so well run and now I hear that its famous Belmonte room has been remodeled and is open for new members!!! Nothing compares to a night at the opera! This week I'm trying the Grand Tier Restaurant! read more

I saw two operas this week and Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin was my favorite. Like many operas, this has a plot that wouldn't work today. Tatiana likes the new guy in the village, Eugene. She writes him a passionate letter and he basically says meh. The village has a party and Eugene is peeved at his friend Lensky for bringing him. What does Eugene do? He flirts with Lensky's girlfriend, Olga, and dances with her. This leads to a duel between Eugene and Lensky. Eugene shoots Lensky dead. At his point, a modern tale would have Eugene in jail with us wondering what the heck is wrong with Eugene. Not here. Life goes on. The opera takes it up a notch. Time passes. Tatiana moves to the city and marries a nice guy with status and money. She deserves it it. Good for her! Eugene is now in town after tormenting himself for killing his friend. He sees Tatiana at a party and now he wants her. He sends her a passionate letter. She meets him alone and acknowledges that she still loves him. What does he do? He claws at her and declares his love. Modern audiences would say that this Eugene guy is completely messed up and should be in jail anyway. Now how can Tatiana still have feelings for him? Don't succumb, Tatiana, you're better than that. Fortunately, Tatiana does resist him and walks away. Eugene is now completely distraught and he deserves it, right? Oh, the singing? The first act is a little slow but it builds in acts 2 and 3. There are some incredible solo and duet moments right up to the final curtain. read more

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One of the greatest cultural institutions in N.Y. Also presenting new. Works by living composers as well as classics in new versions. Best chorus And orchestra in the country. read more

Spectacular! It was an honor to be at the Metropolitan Opera House and to see the works of the first black composer, Terence Blanchard! The theater and acoustics are fabulous! The seats are comfy! And so happy they have the subtitles at every seat so you can understand what the heck they are singing! Great experience! read more

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Went here today to see the Lohengrin Opera today, just under 5 hours long with 2 intermissions. This Opera house is very large with many different levels. The performance and audio was quite impressive and we had a very good time. However, this place just looks old all over. Old carpet, old small restrooms with long lineups. Old decor throughout. You have to wonder why they haven't renovated this place, or just built a new one by now, especially with the high prices of tickets and drinks and food. read more

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The MET opera is an experience to be had. The acoustics are amazing in the opera house. I love all the decor and the shows are great. Very comfortable. I love the individualized subtitles, even though you are supposed to just experience the opera, not read it lol. They have had such great seasons the past few years. read more

Happy to see the MET Opera survive the covid pandemic. Saw most of the titles this season, some twice. One of the highlights for me this season was Medea with the wonderful Ms. Sondra Radvanovsky. Why is she not performing next season??? But, I'm not happy with the new plans under GM Peter Gelb starting next season, staging less classical and more contemporary operas, in order to attract a much younger audience. Hint: They're not coming; Your tickets are too expensive. read more

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We got Met opera tickets as a present from my mom, she decided that if we go to NYC, we MUST visit the opera :) Well, it took a lot of effort to convince my BF to go, but in the end we both liked it. They played Elixir of Live by Donizetti and the lead singers were really good. I have only been to opera in Toronto before, so, compared to our Canadian opera company, Met opera is a whole other category. Oh, well... read more

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Seen an opera here was a bucket list item for Jill and myself. We got to see Carmen. It was amazing. They put a slightly modern twist on it, but it didn't affect the quality of the show at all. In the rail in front of you there is a very discrete button that you can push and it types up a translation of what's being said in various languages you can choose. Overall, I can't recommend this place highly enough to see an opera. read more