English
English
4 hr 50 min with 2 intervals
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until April 2, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for all ages
from
$69.60
AboutVenueTickets
Why watch Tristan und Isolde?
- Richard Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde opera is a landmark of musical drama, redefining how opera explores love, desire, and the pull between life and death.
- Dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen leads the cast as Isolde, opposite Michael Spyres as Tristan, in one of opera’s most demanding vocal pairings.
- This Met premiere staging is directed by Yuval Sharon (Lohengrin, Die Walküre), known for precise, concept-driven Wagner interpretations.
- Now playing at the Metropolitan Opera House, this production marks Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s first Met opera. Book your Tristan und Isolde opera tickets now!
Tristan und Isolde opera stands at the center of Richard Wagner’s artistic revolution. Premiered in 1865, the work reshaped harmony, structure, and dramatic pacing, influencing generations of composers. Rather than external action, Wagner builds the opera around psychological and emotional states, using music to express longing that can never be fully resolved. This new Metropolitan Opera production is staged by Yuval Sharon, the first American director invited to stage an opera at Bayreuth. His approach emphasizes ritual, abstraction, and emotional focus rather than literal medieval spectacle. Under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra sustains Wagner’s vast arcs of tension and release. At its core, Tristan und Isolde opera is not a story of events, but of surrender, to love, to night, and to transformation beyond the physical world.
Storyline
Set in a mythical medieval world, Tristan und Isolde follows the doomed romance between the Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish princess Isolde. Bound by duty yet consumed by passion, their love defies kingdoms and loyalty, leading to heartbreak and transcendence. As their secret is threatened by betrayal and fate, the lovers are forced to make impossible choices. Will love conquer all, or will destiny claim its due?
Show timings
Show timings for Tristan und Isolde may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: Lise Davidsen as Isolde, Michael Spyres as Tristan, Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangäne, Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal, and Ryan Speedo Green as King Marke.
- Composer: Richard Wagner
- Director: Yuval Sharon
- Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin
- Set design: Es Devlin
- Costume design: Clint Ramos
- Lighting design: John Torres
- Video design: Ruth Hogben
- Projection design: Jason H. Thompson
- Choreography: Annie-B Parson
- Chorus director: Tilman Michael
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is suitable for all ages.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Metropolitan Opera House Read more
The Metropolitan Opera House is a crown jewel of Lincoln Center, renowned for its grand scale and architectural elegance. Opened in 1966, it boasts a sweeping marble staircase, glittering chandeliers, and a vast proscenium stage that has hosted legendary opera stars and ballets. The venue’s state-of-the-art acoustics and opulent interiors make it a destination for world-class performances, from Wagner to Verdi and beyond.
The Metropolitan Opera House seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
- Subway: 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center; A, B, C, or D trains to 59th Street–Columbus Circle
- Bus: M5, M7, M10, M11, and M66 routes serve the Lincoln Center area
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Restrooms, coat check, bars, dining areas, merchandise counters
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating, elevators, accessible restrooms, assisted listening devices, step-free entry, and staff assistance on request
Additional information
- Note: Please note that video cameras will be in operation during the March 17 and March 21 performances as part of the Met’s Live in HD series of cinema transmissions.
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions about Tristan und Isolde
How much do the Tristan und Isolde opera tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets starts from $69.60 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is opera appropriate for?
The opera does not have a strict age limit. It is suitable for all ages.
Where is the opera playing in New York?
The opera is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
What is Tristan und Isolde about?
It explores forbidden love, desire, and transcendence through two characters drawn toward release beyond the limits of ordinary life.
How long does the opera run for?
The running time is 4 hours and 50 minutes with 2 intermissions.
Is Tristan und Isolde sung in English?
No. It is sung in German, with projected titles available in English, German, and Spanish.
Is this opera suitable for first-time opera-goers?
It can be challenging, but many newcomers find it powerful due to its emotional intensity and immersive music.
What is the Liebestod?
It is Isolde’s final aria, where love and death merge in one of opera’s most famous conclusions.
Does the Met production use a traditional setting?
No. The staging is modern and abstract, focusing on emotional states rather than medieval realism.