Aveline Kirana
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026-27 season, promising a captivating journey through opera’s rich tapestry, from timeless classics to groundbreaking contemporary works. Scheduled to run from September 2026 through July 2027, the season boasts an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed artists, visionary directors, and a diverse selection of operatic masterpieces and concert offerings. This expansive program underscores the Liceu’s commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and its role as a premier cultural institution on the global stage.
A Season of Grand Productions and Star Power
The 2026-27 season opens with a monumental production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, staged from September 25 to October 15, 2026. Under the direction of the renowned visual artist Shirin Neshat, this production will feature a quartet of sopranos gracing the iconic title role: Anna Netrebko, Anna Pirozzi, Olga Maslova, and Ewa Plonka. They will be supported by a formidable cast including Ekaterina Semenchuk, Ksenia Dudnikova, Fiorenza Cedolins, Yusif Eyvazov, Piotr Beczała, Arsen Soghomonyan, Artur Ruciński, Igor Golovatenko, Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar, Riccardo Fassi, George Andguladze, Manuel Fuentes, Alexander Köpeczi, Giorgi Manoshvili, and Simón Orfila. The musical direction will be shared between Josep Gil and Antonello Manacorda, promising a powerful and visually arresting rendition of Verdi’s grand opera.
Following closely, from October 30 to November 22, 2026, the Liceu will present Vincenzo Bellini’s tragic romance I Capuleti e I Montecchi. Directed by Adrian Noble, the cast features Marko Mimica, Lisette Oropesa, Marina Monzó, Raffaella Lupinacci, Caterina Piva, Iván Ayón Rivas, Omar Mancini, and Alejandro López. The delicate and demanding score will be brought to life by conductors Sasha Yankevych and Riccardo Frizza, highlighting the lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity of Bellini’s work.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito will take center stage from November 25 to December 1, 2026. This production, directed by David McVicar, renowned for his insightful interpretations of classical repertoire, will be conducted by the esteemed Jordi Savall. The stellar cast includes Jack Swanson, Karine Deshayes, Marianne Crebassa, Lina Johnson, Marian Beate Kielland, and Bo?idar Smiljani?. The Liceu’s choice to program this work reflects a growing appreciation for Mozart’s later operatic achievements, often overshadowed by his earlier, more popular compositions.
The festive season will be ushered in with Giacomo Puccini’s beloved La bohème, running from December 30, 2026, to January 19, 2027. Under the directorial vision of Paolo Gavazzeni and Piero Maranghi, the production will feature a dynamic ensemble of singers. Conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti, the cast includes Pene Pati, Freddie De Tommaso, Roberto Alagna, Kang Wang, Andrzej Filończyk, Artur Ruciński, Carles Pachon, Joan Martín Royo, Milan Periši?, Pau Armengol, Nicolas Testé, Alejandro Baliñas, Krzysztof Bączyk, Pretty Yende, Ermonela Jaho, Carolina López Moreno, Sara Blanch, Serena Sáenz, Alexandra Oomens, and Carlos Chausson. The sheer number of renowned singers in multiple roles suggests a commitment to offering exceptional vocal performances throughout the run.
A Mid-Season Exploration of Diverse Genres
The new year kicks off with a concert performance of Georges Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles on January 10, 2027. Led by the celebrated conductor Marc Minkowski, the performance will star Pene Pati, Florian Sempey, Elsa Benoit, and Edwin Crossley-Mercer, offering a chance to appreciate Bizet’s early operatic success in a focused, acoustically rich setting.
Richard Wagner’s monumental Das Rheingold will be presented from February 7 to 21, 2027. This ambitious undertaking, directed by Tobias Kratzer and conducted by Jonathan Nott, features a powerful cast including Nicholas Brownlee, Kartal Karagedik, Roger Padullés, Nicky Spence, Mikeldi Atxalandabaso, Ante Jerkunica, Wilhelm Schwinghammer, Tanja Ariane Baumgartner, Anett Fritsch, Okka von der Damerau, Ximena Agurto, Jennifer Feinstein, and Helena Ressurreição. The staging of Wagner’s epic Ring cycle is a significant artistic endeavor for any opera house, and the Liceu’s commitment to this work signals a major artistic statement for the season.
Emiliano Suárez will direct and conduct a production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor.zip in March 2027. The subtitle ".zip" suggests a potentially modern or innovative approach to this operatic staple, hinting at a fresh perspective on the tragic tale of Lucia. Further details regarding the specific artistic concept are eagerly awaited by opera aficionados.
The Puccini repertoire continues with La fanciulla del West, staged from March 8 to 24, 2027. Valentina Carrasco directs this American-themed opera, featuring Sondra Radvanovsky in the demanding role of Minnie. She will be joined by Roman Burdenko and Angelo Villari, with Nicola Luisotti at the helm of the orchestra. Radvanovsky’s return to the Liceu, particularly in such a signature role, is a major draw for the season.
A significant contemporary work, Thomas Adès’s The Exterminating Angel, will be performed from April 15 to 22, 2027. Directed by Calixto Bieito, known for his provocative and often challenging stagings, and conducted by the composer himself, the opera boasts an extensive and star-studded cast. Performers include Jacquelyn Stucker, Gloria Tronel, Hilary Summers, Claudia Boyle, Christine Rice, Ilanah Lobel-Torres, Nicky Spence, Jarrett Ott, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Josh Lovell, Philippe Sly, Paul Gay, Rod Gilfry, Thomas Faulkner, Caspar Singh, Marc Sala, Carlos Reynoso, Ohiane González, Marcelina Román, and Régis Mengus. The inclusion of Adès’s complex and critically acclaimed work underscores the Liceu’s commitment to showcasing cutting-edge operatic compositions.
George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno will be presented on April 17, 2027, under the baton of Giovanni Antonini. The performance features Anett Fritsch, Julia Lezhneva, Krystian Adam, and Lucile Richardot, promising a masterclass in Baroque vocal performance.
A significant moment for Catalan opera will be the world premiere of Casagemas’s Schiava e Regina on April 27, 2027. Directed by Vanessa García Diepa, who conducts, the opera features Sabrina Gárdez, Laura del Río, Tamara Abraño, Joan Laínez, Albert Casals, Ferran Albrich, Milan Perišić, and Pau Armengol. The premiere of a new work by a Catalan composer is a vital contribution to the preservation and evolution of regional operatic traditions.
Leoš Janáček’s powerful drama Jenůfa will be staged from May 8 to 22, 2027. Directed by Àlex Ollé and conducted by Jonathan Nott, the production stars Asmik Grigorian in the title role, alongside Marta Infante, Pavel Černoch, James Ley, and Nina Stemme. Grigorian’s interpretation of Jenůfa is highly anticipated, given her previous acclaimed performances in dramatic operatic roles.
The season will also feature a concert performance of Rafael Martínez Valls’s Cançó d’amor i de guerra on May 24 and 25, 2027. Conducted by Manel Valdivieso, the cast includes Serena Sáenz, Josep Bros, Carles Pachon, Montserrat Seró, and Marc Sala. This performance highlights a significant work in the zarzuela tradition, a genre deeply rooted in Spanish musical heritage.
A production of La rosa dels set pètals will be presented from June 4 to 6, 2027. Directed by Israel Solà and conducted by Manel Valdivieso, the cast features Lídia Vinyes-Curtis, Dolors Aldea, Mercedes Gancedo, Laura Vila, Laura Brasó, and Marc Sala. The specific details of this work are less widely known, suggesting it may be a lesser-performed gem or a new discovery.
The season culminates with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, directed by Marcos Morau and La Veronal, running from July 5 to 29, 2027. Conducted by Josep Pons, the production features an impressive ensemble including John Relyea, Alex Rosen, Jack Swanson, Ben Bliss, Albert Dohmen, Serena Sáenz, Alina Wunderlin, Sara Blanch, Chelsea Zurflüh, Lucía Iglesias, Carles Pachon, Jan Antem, Jorge Rodriguez-Norton, and Pablo García-López. This imaginative staging of Mozart’s masterpiece promises a visually striking and musically rich conclusion to the operatic season.
Finally, a showcase of micro-operas titled ¡oh!pera will be presented from July 10 to 15, 2027, featuring Carme Rodríguez and Silvia Lanao, offering a platform for innovative and intimate operatic creations.
A Robust Concert Series
Beyond the staged operas, the Liceu has curated a compelling series of concerts throughout the 2026-27 season.
The season’s concert offerings commence with a powerful rendition of Verdi’s Requiem on November 3 and 4, 2026. Lise Davidsen, Aigul Akhmetshina, Freddie De Tommaso, and Christian Van Horn will lend their voices to this monumental work, under the baton of Nicola Luisotti.
On November 28, 2026, the concert Celebrar el Lliure will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Teatre Lliure. This special evening will feature Maria Toledo, Marcelina Román, Carles Pachon, and Muntsa Alcañiz performing music by Mozart, Léhar, de Falla, and Weill, conducted by Josep Pons.
The Concert d’Any Nou on January 4, 2027, will feature Ermonela Jaho, Jakub Józef Orliński, and Freddie De Tommaso, with Jonathan Nott conducting. This New Year’s concert is a popular tradition, offering a festive start to the year with beloved operatic and concert repertoire.
The Concurs internacional Tenor Viñas will hold its performance dates from January 22 to 24, 2027, conducted by Josep Planells Schiaffino, providing a platform for emerging vocal talent.
February 14, 2027, will see Sondra Radvanovsky return to the Liceu for a solo recital accompanied by pianist Anthony Manoli, offering an intimate evening with one of the world’s leading sopranos.
On March 17, 2027, Anna Netrebko will join Brian Jagde and George Petean for a concert featuring works by Verdi and Puccini, conducted by Marco Armiliato. This collaboration brings together prominent artists for a program of operatic highlights.
A unique concert on April 4, 2027, will feature Gustavo Dudamel conducting music by Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky. Shirin Neshat will direct this performance, with Cameron Shahbazi as a soloist, blending operatic and symphonic elements with a distinctive directorial vision.
On May 7, 2027, Nadine Sierra and Bryan Wagorn will present a concert program focusing on popular arias from La bohème, La traviata, and Don Pasquale, showcasing beloved melodies from these iconic operas.
The acclaimed Els madrigals de Monteverdi VIII will be presented on May 27, 2027, with Concerto Italiano under the direction of Rinaldo Alessandrini, offering a scholarly and passionate exploration of Monteverdi’s madrigal works.
June 20, 2027, will feature a performance of Benjamin Britten’s powerful War Requiem. Irina Lungu, Allan Clayton, and Christian Gerhaher will lead the vocal forces, with Jonathan Nott conducting, for this profound and moving work.
The season’s concert series concludes on July 11, 2027, with Asmik Grigorian and Hyung-ki Joo performing a diverse program that includes music by Bizet and Puccini, alongside songs by contemporary artists Lady Gaga and Sting. This eclectic programming reflects a willingness to bridge classical and popular music, appealing to a broader audience.
Implications and Artistic Vision
The Gran Teatre del Liceu’s 2026-27 season is characterized by its bold programming choices, embracing both canonical masterpieces and significant contemporary works. The inclusion of Shirin Neshat to direct Aida signifies a commitment to cross-disciplinary artistic collaboration, bringing a unique visual perspective to a well-known opera. Similarly, the staging of Thomas Adès’s The Exterminating Angel highlights the Liceu’s dedication to presenting challenging and relevant modern opera.
The season also demonstrates a strong emphasis on showcasing leading vocal talent. The multiple sopranos cast in Aida, the return of Sondra Radvanovsky, and the anticipated performances by Asmik Grigorian and Anna Netrebko underscore the Liceu’s ability to attract and present world-class singers. The extensive cast lists for productions like La bohème suggest a desire to offer varied and exceptional vocal performances throughout each run, a strategy that can enhance audience engagement and artistic depth.
The programming of Catalan works, such as the world premiere of Casagemas’s Schiava e Regina and the concert performance of Cançó d’amor i de guerra, reinforces the Liceu’s commitment to its local artistic heritage and its role in fostering new creations within the Catalan cultural landscape.
The robust concert series, featuring a wide range of repertoire from Baroque oratorios to modern vocal collaborations, further broadens the Liceu’s appeal, offering diverse musical experiences beyond staged operas. The inclusion of artists like Gustavo Dudamel and the adventurous programming of the final concert suggest a forward-thinking approach to audience development and artistic exploration.
Overall, the 2026-27 season at the Gran Teatre del Liceu presents a compelling vision of operatic programming that balances tradition with innovation, national heritage with international artistry, and the grand spectacle of opera with the intimacy of chamber music and concerts. This ambitious schedule positions the Liceu as a vital hub for operatic excellence and a significant contributor to the global cultural conversation.
