Full Breakdown
Lise Davidsen Shines in New Production of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" at the Met
3/10/2026, 8:51:05 PM
Overview of the Production
The Metropolitan Opera has launched a new production of Richard Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde," running through April 4, 2026. This production marks the Met debut of director Yuval Sharon and features Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting. Dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen stars as Isolde, with tenor Michael Spyres as Tristan, alongside a supporting cast that includes mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangäne and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as King Marke. The opera, sung in German, runs approximately four hours and fifty minutes and includes Met Titles in English, German, and Spanish.
Key Highlights of the Performance
Lise Davidsen's portrayal of Isolde has been met with critical acclaim. Her performance during the climactic "Liebestod" showcased a remarkable range, transitioning from a soft, mournful tone to a powerful, radiant sound. In a unique twist, Sharon's staging allows Isolde to reflect on the birth of a child rather than solely mourning Tristan's death, adding depth to her final monologue. Critics have noted that Davidsen's voice is particularly suited for the role, with her Act I narrative and curse captivating the audience.
Michael Spyres, making his role debut as Tristan, has also received praise for his vocal performance, maintaining both beauty and dramatic intensity throughout the opera, particularly during the lengthy death scene in the third act. The production's overall direction and orchestration have been highlighted as well, with Nézet-Séguin's conducting evolving throughout the performance to effectively convey the score's emotional highs and lows.
Official Statements & Responses
Critics have lauded the innovative staging by Yuval Sharon, which emphasizes clarity and audience engagement. Joshua Barone from The New York Times remarked that "virtually every singer was favored by Sharon’s production," while Kevin Ng noted the pairing of Davidsen and Spyres as one that stands among the greats of the past. The Met's decision to include video cameras for select performances as part of its Live in HD cinema transmission series has also been met with enthusiasm.
Criticism & Opposition
While the production has garnered significant praise, some critiques have emerged regarding the dynamics of the orchestra under Nézet-Séguin's baton. Observers noted a few passages with questionable dynamics, although these were minimal compared to the overall excellence of the performance.
What's Next
Following the current run of "Tristan und Isolde," Lise Davidsen and Yuval Sharon are set to return to the Met for a future production of Wagner's "Ring," further establishing their presence in the opera world. The ongoing performances of "Tristan und Isolde" will continue to be broadcast to cinemas, allowing wider audiences to experience this acclaimed production.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I tend to save up emotions, positive or negative. But it can explode!” — Lise Davidsen, Soprano
- “Kevin Ng, The Times: But Tristan depends on its lead couple, and the Met has a pairing that stands with the greats of the past.” — Kevin Ng, The Times
