On September 16, 1966, the Metropolitan Opera opened its doors for the first time in a new home at Lincoln Center, with the world premiere of Samuel Barber’s Antony and Cleopatra, starring Leontyne Price and Justino Díaz. The New York Times declared the opening of the new opera house a “crescendo of splendor,” and a new era of theatrical possibility was born.

Fifty years later, the Met will celebrate its golden anniversary in its current home with a special gala featuring some of the greatest artists in opera, performing a mix of repertory that both looks back at great moments from the past five decades and ahead to future seasons. Selections will be heard from such operas as Porgy and Bess, Samson et Dalila, Les Troyens, I Lombardi, and, for the first time since the house opened, Antony and Cleopatra.

Director and set designer Julian Crouch and projection designers 59 Productions—the forces behind the Met’s 125th Anniversary Gala in 2009—will create an unforgettable operatic celebration of this important milestone.

A special gala dinner will follow the performance.

Scheduled to appear*