The Opéra de Paris has unveiled an ambitious lineup for its 2025-2026 season, promising a diverse array of performances that highlight both contemporary dance and the revival of classic operas. This season marks a significant shift towards modern interpretations, with a focus on American operas and powerful female narratives.
One of the standout features of the upcoming season is its emphasis on contemporary dance. The Opéra de Paris plans to showcase four new creations by six different choreographers, including Imre and Marne van Opstal, Marcos Morau, Morgann Runacre-Temple, Jessica Wright, and Micaela Taylor. Additionally, the repertoire will expand to include six entries from notable choreographers such as Annabelle López Ochoa, Christopher Wheeldon, Mthuthuzeli November, and David Dawson. This initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to evolving its style while providing its ballet company with varied works that celebrate the art of dance.
In a highly anticipated return, tenor Jonas Kaufmann will grace the stage of the Opéra de Paris after a long absence since 2021. He will perform in Puccini's "Tosca," with his rendition of the aria "E Lucevan le Stelle" expected to be one of the highlights of the season. Alongside Kaufmann, soprano Anna Netrebko will also perform, taking on the role in Verdi's "Un Bal Masqué," a production she has excelled in throughout her illustrious career.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes will make his directorial debut at the Opéra de Paris with Tchaikovsky's "Eugène Onéguine." This production will be staged at the Palais Garnier, marking a significant moment for both Fiennes and the opera house. Fiennes has expressed enthusiasm for this new venture, contributing his artistic vision to the world of opera.
The season will also feature the return of American operas, a focus that Alexander Neef, the director of the Opéra de Paris, has championed since his tenure began. Following the successful performances of Leonard Bernstein's "A Quiet Place" in 2022 and John Adams's "Nixon in China" last year, the upcoming season will include Philip Glass's "Satyagraha." This work, part of a trilogy depicting historical figures, will enter the repertoire in the spring, directed by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, with Ingo Metzmacher conducting. Nicky Spence will take on the role of Mahatma Gandhi, bringing a powerful narrative to the stage.
In a notable highlight for the season, the Opéra de Paris will present "Ercole amante" by Antonia Bembo, a Venetian composer whose work has been largely overlooked. This production, scheduled for May and June, aims to revive interest in her contributions to opera, with Leonardo Garcia Alarcon at the helm. The production promises to explore themes of love and power, resonating with contemporary audiences.
Women will play a prominent role in this season's productions, with a new interpretation of Verdi's "Aïda" directed by Iranian artist Shirin Neshat. This production is expected to transform the opera into a statement against religious fanaticism that oppresses women. Conductors Michele Mariotti and Dmitry Matvlenko will share the podium, while a talented cast, including Saoia Hernández and Ewa Plonka, will bring the characters to life.
March and April will see the staging of Mozart's "La finta giardiniera," directed by Chloé Dufresne, further showcasing the Opéra's commitment to diverse artistic voices. Meanwhile, Calixto Bieito will continue his ambitious Wagner cycle with "La Walkyrie" in November, featuring Stanislas de Barbeyrac and Ève-Maud Hubeaux. This production follows his earlier work on "L'Or du Rhin," which faced challenges but set the stage for a grand continuation of the Ring cycle.
As part of the overall lineup, the Opéra de Paris will present two complete cycles of Wagner's Ring cycle, with performances scheduled from November 6 to 13, 2025, and again from November 15 to 22, 2026. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the cycle's creation, making it a significant event for opera enthusiasts.
The season is not without its challenges, as the management faces scrutiny over its programming choices and operational decisions. The balance between maintaining a rich repertoire and introducing new productions has sparked discussions among patrons and critics alike. With 364 performances across 28 shows, including 17 lyrical productions and 11 ballet programs, the Opéra de Paris continues to prioritize a robust schedule despite the complexities of staging major works.
Returning productions will also feature prominently, with beloved operas such as "La Bohème," "Ariodante," and "Carmen" making a comeback. Each of these works will be presented with unique interpretations, ensuring that even familiar stories feel fresh and engaging for audiences.
As the Opéra de Paris embarks on this new season, it invites audiences to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of performances that blend tradition with innovation. While some may question the direction of the programming, the promise of contemporary works alongside cherished classics offers something for everyone. The 2025-2026 season is set to be a transformative period for the institution, showcasing the evolving landscape of opera and dance.
