Yuval Sharon, a well-known American for his inventive productions, has been appointed to direct the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming presentations of Wagner’s Ring Cycle and “Tristan und Isolde.” The performances will feature soprano Lise Davidsen and will be conducted by music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Additionally, Nézet-Séguin’s contract has been extended for six more years through 2029-30. The first of Sharon’s productions, “Tristan,” is scheduled to premiere on March 9, 2026, followed by the Ring Cycle which will commence with “Das Rheingold” in the 2027-28 season, and conclude with “Gotterdämmerung” in 2029-30. Davidsen will portray the role of Brünnhilde, with complete cycles planned for the spring of 2030.
Sharon, selected by Nézet-Séguin and Met general manager Peter Gelb, is acclaimed for his imaginative interpretations of classical works. The 44-year-old director has staged innovative productions like a condensed version of Wagner’s “Götterdämmerung” in parking lots, a unique presentation of “Die Walküre” with animation and computer graphics, and a restructured version of Puccini’s “La Bohème.” While Sharon has not disclosed details of his Met projects, it is evident that his vision and approach to opera are highly anticipated.
In addition to the Ring Cycle, Davidsen will perform in Verdi’s “Macbeth” at the Met, set to open the 2026-27 season, further solidifying her relationship with the renowned opera house. Nézet-Séguin expressed his delight that Davidsen has chosen the Met as her artistic home. Davidsen plans to stage a complete version of “Tristan” before the Met production and is also set to sing Brünnhilde in at least one of the Ring operas prior to the New York performances.
Sharon, who founded The Industry Opera in Los Angeles and currently serves as the artistic director of the Detroit Opera, made history as the first American to direct at the Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth, Germany. Wagner’s complex opera “Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung)” spans four days with 15 hours of music, making it a formidable challenge for any opera company.
Nézet-Séguin, who assumed the role of Met music director in 2018-19, is committed to showcasing a diverse range of composers. As part of the Met’s shift towards contemporary works, Nézet-Séguin is scheduled to conduct several company premieres, including works by Mason Bates, Gabriela Lena Frank, Missy Mazzoli, Carlos Simon, and Huang Ruo. He will also lead revivals of classics by Mozart, Puccini, and Wagner, demonstrating his dedication to a varied repertoire and artistic exploration.
