Opera Matinee

WETA Classical is Washington's home for opera year round. From December through early June, experience the power and passion of the Metropolitan Opera's Saturday Matinee Broadcasts. The rest of the year features performances from leading opera houses around the world.

Next Episode

Lucia di Lammermoor

May 21, 2022 1:00 pm

Gaetano Donizetti

Donizetti's drama of an emotionally fragile heroine, Lucia, a young woman who descends into madness, in a blazing mad scene, by family feuds and separation from her lover by a forced marriage. A new production from the Metropolitan Opera, led by Ricardo Frizza.

  • Akhnaten

    Akhnaten

    May 28, 2022 1:00 pm

    Philip Glass

    Philip Glass's innovative opera from 1933 explores the life and beliefs of Egyptian pharaoh Akhnaten, with Glass's trademark mesmerizing musical lines. This production of the Metropolitan Opera is led by Karen Kamensek.
  • Hamlet

    Hamlet

    June 4, 2022 1:00 pm

    Brett Dean

    The Metropolitan Opera broadcast premiere of Brett Dean's Hamlet, based on the Shakespeare play with revised verse, received critical acclaim after its world premiere in 2017. An cast of renowned veterans joins Allan Clayton, who sings the title role.
  • The Rake's Progress

    The Rake's Progress

    June 11, 2022 1:00 pm

    Igor Stravinsky

    Igor Stravinksy's chamber opera from the 1950s -- written during his neoclassical stage with references to earlier composers -- is a dark comedy, based on the paintings and engravings of William Hogarth. This production of Metropolitan Opera features Ben Bliss.