Anna Netrebko Opens Royal Opera Season After 6 Years

Renowned soprano Anna Netrebko is set to make her comeback to London’s Royal Opera House after a six-year hiatus. Her return will be marked by the launch of the 2025-2026 season, featuring her in a fresh production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” This unveiling coincides with the commencement of Jakub Hr?ša’s tenure as the music director of the prestigious venue.

Scheduled for four performances between September 11 and September 21, Netrebko will perform in a contemporary interpretation of the classic, set amidst a war-stricken Rome. The production is directed by Oliver Mears and will see collaborations with notable voices like Freddie De Tommaso and Gerald Finley.

Additionally, Netrebko is slated to feature in four performances of a revived version of Puccini’s “Turandot” from December 15 to December 23 and will also host a solo recital on June 24, 2026. Her last performance at Covent Garden was in April 2019, where she graced the stage in Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” Unfortunately, her scheduled appearances in January 2022 for Verdi’s “Nabucco” were scrapped due to travel limitations within Europe.

In a swift decision following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, Netrebko was removed from all future engagements with New York’s Metropolitan Opera. This occurred following a specific demand from Met General Manager Peter Gelb for her to denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nevertheless, Netrebko has maintained an active presence across leading opera houses globally, marking her U.S. return with a Palm Beach Opera recital earlier this year.

Jakub Hr?ša, succeeding Antonio Pappano, will not only direct “Tosca” but also preside over the company premiere of Janá?ek’s “The Makropulos Case” on November 4, alongside a revival of Britten’s “Peter Grimes” on May 5, 2026. Elsewhere in the season, Speranza Scappucci begins her role as principal guest conductor with Verdi’s “Les Vêpres Siciliennes” revival starting on September 19.

The new season at the Royal Opera House will also witness fresh main-stage productions, including Handel’s “Ariodante” set to debut on December 9, Wagner’s “Siegfried” on March 17, and Bellini’s “I Puritani,” which closes on June 30, 2026.