Watch Salome in New York – Opening April 29, 2025
Richard Strauss’s Salome is a provocative and intense one-act opera that shocked audiences at its 1905 premiere and continues to captivate to this day. Based on Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play, the story centers on the young and seductive princess Salome, whose obsession with John the Baptist leads her down a dark and tragic path. Set against Strauss’s powerful and revolutionary score, this opera explores themes of desire, power, and madness in a psychologically complex Victorian-era setting, directed by Claus Guth. With its rich symbolism and dramatic intensity, Salome remains one of the most compelling works in the operatic repertoire.
Secure your Salome tickets in New York now to ensure your seat at this exclusive, limited-time opera.
Story Overview
Act I:
The opera opens in King Herod’s palace in Judea, where the atmosphere is tense and charged with unease. The young princess Salome, discontented with the decadent environment of the court, hears the voice of Jochanaan (John the Baptist) coming from a cistern where he is imprisoned. Despite the warnings of Herod and others, Salome becomes obsessed with Jochanaan, captivated by his moral strength and purity, which starkly contrasts with the corrupt surroundings. Her determination to meet him leads to a confrontation that sets the stage for her tragic downfall.
Act II:
Salome’s obsession deepens, and her desire takes a dark turn. She agrees to perform the sensual and infamous “Dance of the Seven Veils” for her stepfather, Herod, who is infatuated with her. In return, she demands the head of Jochanaan on a silver platter as a reward. Herod, although horrified by the request, reluctantly agrees, fearing the consequences of denying her. The climax of the opera is both shocking and inevitable, as Salome, having received Jochanaan’s severed head, expresses her twisted love by kissing it. Herod, repulsed and fearful, orders her immediate execution, bringing the opera to a harrowing conclusion.
Why You Should See Salome
Salome is not just an opera; it’s an experience that challenges and enthralls the audience. Richard Strauss’s intense and evocative score, combined with Oscar Wilde’s provocative story, creates a production that remains as shocking and powerful today as it was over a century ago. This is a rare opportunity to witness a masterpiece that delves into the darkest corners of human desire and obsession.
Don’t miss your chance to see Salome at the Metropolitan Opera. Secure your Salome tickets in NYC now, and prepare to be captivated by this unforgettable performance.
Cast and Creative Team
The production of Salome at the Metropolitan Opera brings together an extraordinary ensemble of talent, both on stage and behind the scenes, promising a performance filled with intensity, drama, and unforgettable music.
Cast:
- Yannick Nézet-Séguin(Conductor): One of the most sought-after conductors, Yannick leads the orchestra with precision and passion, bringing out the emotional depth of Strauss’s score.
- Derrick Inouye(Conductor): Known for his dynamic conducting style, Derrick brings his unique interpretation to the performances he leads.
- Elza van den Heever(Salome): In her portrayal of the complex character Salome, Elza captivates with both her vocal prowess and intense stage presence.
- Gerhard Siegel(Herod): A tenor with a commanding stage presence, Gerhard masterfully conveys the conflicting emotions of Herod.
- Chad Shelton(Herod): Chad brings a different nuance to the role of Herod, offering a powerful and gripping performance.
- Michelle DeYoung(Herodias): As Herodias, Michelle delivers a riveting performance, capturing the character’s manipulative and vengeful nature.
- Piotr Buszewski(Narraboth): Piotr’s portrayal of Narraboth is filled with youthful passion and tragic longing, adding depth to the narrative.
- Peter Mattei(Jochanaan): With his rich baritone, Peter embodies the steadfast and prophetic character of Jochanaan, delivering a performance that resonates with authority and spirituality.
Creative Team:
- Claus Guth(Production): A visionary director, Claus Guth reimagines Salome in a psychologically complex Victorian-era setting, infusing the production with symbolism and a modern sensibility.
- Etienne Pluss(Set Designer): Etienne’s innovative set designs create a visually striking and immersive environment that enhances the opera’s dark and foreboding atmosphere.
- Ursula Kudrna(Costume Designer): Ursula’s costumes reflect the Victorian-era setting, adding layers of historical authenticity and character depth through intricate designs.
- Olaf Freese(Lighting Designer): Olaf’s lighting design masterfully shifts the mood and tone of the opera, highlighting the contrasts between light and darkness in the story.
- rocafilm / Roland Horvath(Projection Designer): Roland’s projections add a layer of visual storytelling, using modern technology to enhance the narrative and set the scene.
- Sommer Ulrickson(Choreographer): Sommer’s choreography brings physicality to the opera, particularly in the infamous Dance of the Seven Veils, which is both provocative and symbolically rich.
- Yvonne Gebauer(Dramaturg): Yvonne’s dramaturgical work ensures that the narrative and thematic elements of the opera are cohesive and resonate with contemporary audiences.
- Richard Strauss(Composer): As the composer, Strauss’s revolutionary score for Salome continues to challenge and captivate audiences with its complexity and emotional intensity.
Together, this cast and creative team ensure that Salome is brought to life with the highest level of artistic excellence, making it a must-see performance at the Metropolitan Opera.
Venue Details: Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center
The production of Salome is held at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House located at Lincoln Center, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. This iconic venue, with a seating capacity of 3,800, is renowned for its magnificent architecture and world-class acoustics, making it one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world.
The Metropolitan Opera House provides an immersive experience, offering not only stunning performances but also the grandeur of its historic setting. Audiences can expect a luxurious atmosphere that complements the intensity of the opera.
The house opens 60 minutes before the performance, allowing guests ample time to explore the venue, grab a drink, or simply soak in the ambiance before the show begins.
Music: The Soundscape of Salome
Richard Strauss’s score for Salome is a bold and mesmerizing composition that instantly captivates the listener with its exotic and boundary-pushing sounds. The opera’s magic largely emanates from the orchestra pit, with the “Dance of the Seven Veils” standing out as a memorable highlight. This orchestration is intricately woven into the performance, creating a seamless yet unforgettable auditory experience. However, the vocal demands on the performers, particularly the title role, are immense, making Salome one of the most challenging operas both musically and dramatically.
Run Length and Schedule
Salome at the Metropolitan Opera is an intense, one-act production with a total runtime of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. This powerful opera includes no intermissions, ensuring an uninterrupted, emotionally charged experience from start to finish.
- Estimated Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Performance Schedule:
- April 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- May 2, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- May 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- May 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM
- May 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- May 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM
- May 21, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- May 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM
The best time to attend Salome is during the evening performances, where the atmosphere is enriched by the grandeur of the Metropolitan Opera. The dress code is typically formal, in keeping with the tradition and elegance of the Met.
Food and Beverage Options
Guests attending Salome in New York at the Metropolitan Opera can enjoy dining at the Grand Tier Restaurant, which opens two hours before the performance, offering a delightful pre-show meal. Additionally, dessert can be savored during the intermission. For those looking to explore other options, the Lincoln Center area features a variety of restaurants and cafes, providing an array of cuisines and dining experiences to enjoy before or after the opera.
