06/06/2026
🚨 THE LEADING MEN OPENING THE 2026-27 SEASON 🚨
The operatic landscape is historically known for being a tenor’s playground on opening night—but for the 2026-27 season openers at the largest U.S. houses, the low-voiced men are stepping firmly into the spotlight.
From psychological thrillers to iconic title roles, baritones, bass-baritones, and basses are anchoring the biggest nights of the fall. To complement our look at this season's opening sopranos, here are the powerhouse single headliners commanding the stage for the male principal roles:
🎭 San Francisco Opera | Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra
HEADLINER: Amartuvshin Enkhbat (Title Role)
The Mongolian baritone brings his signature, rich Verdi styling to open the Bay Area season in one of the repertoire's most taxing, noble father-figure roles.
September 12–27, 2026
🎭 The Metropolitan Opera | Verdi’s Macbeth
HEADLINER: Quinn Kelsey (Title Role)
A new production of Shakespearean terror demands an extraordinary dramatic baritone. Kelsey anchors the Met's high-stakes opening night as the haunted, power-hungry Scottish king.
September 22–October 20, 2026
🎭 Lyric Opera of Chicago | Mozart’s Don Giovanni
HEADLINER: Christian Van Horn (Title Role)
Stepping out from the ensemble to lead as the ultimate anti-hero, the celebrated bass-baritone commands the stage for Chicago's season opener in a role that thrives on magnetic dark energy.
October 10–November 1, 2026
*Kyle Ketelsen will sing the title role on 10/30, 11/1
🎭 Houston Grand Opera | Floyd’s Susannah
HEADLINER: Rod Gilfry (Reverend Olin Blitch)
American opera needs heavy-hitting dramatic presence, and veteran baritone Rod Gilfry takes on the complex, tormenting traveling preacher in Carlisle Floyd’s powerful Appalachian masterpiece.
October 23–November 8, 2026
Which of these leading men are you most excited to see take the stage this fall? Let us know in the comments! 👇 Casts are subject to change.
