Arabella Tickets
Closed 29th November 2025
Otto Schenk’s sumptuous Vienna‑set staging of Strauss’s elegant romantic opera about deception, duty and desire returns to the Met.
Arabella in New York City
Arabella returns to the Lincoln Center's Metropolitan Opera House in this sumptuous revival of Strauss’ romantic opera, directed by Otto Schenk. Arabella tells the story of a down-on-their-luck Viennese family whose future relies on the prospects of their eldest daughter's romantic interests and is “Strauss’s most purely beautiful writing” (BachTrack) - secure your tickets for this witty and heartfelt drama today!
What is the opera Arabella about?
Set in stylish 1860s Vienna, Arabella follows the graceful Waldner family, whose fortunes rest on Arabella’s marriage prospects. As her father’s debts mount, Arabella opens her heart only twice - first to three eligible suitors, then to a mysterious stranger who sweeps her off her feet. Her sister Zdenka, disguised as a boy, secretly writes Arabella’s love letters to Matteo, but heartache and confusion follow. Ultimately, truths and identities are revealed, culminating in forgiveness, reconciliation, and true love.
Premiering in Dresden in July 1933, Arabella marks the final collaboration between Richard Strauss and his librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal - combining elegant waltz rhythms, Viennese wit, and a heartfelt musical language that embodies the tensions of duty vs desire.
The Met first staged Arabella in 1955 and the opera has since been revived periodically - most recently in 2014 with this acclaimed production directed by Otto Schenk, which returns to the Met to immerse audiences in the opulence and emotional nuance of Vienna’s high society. Schenk’s staging is “as beautiful as one could hope” (The New York Times) - so be sure to book your tickets early.
Who are the cast of Arabella?
Soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen (Don Giovanni, Der Rosenkavalier, Rusalka) leads the cast as Arabella in her Metropolitan Opera House debut. She is joined by Soprano Louise Alder (The Marriage of Figaro, Ariadne auf Naxos) as Arabella’s younger sister Zdenka, with Bass-Baritone Tomasz Konieczny (Die Walküre, Wozzeck)as Mandryka, and Tenor Pavol Breslik (La Traviata, Werther) as the lovestruck Matteo. Supporting roles include Bass Brindley Sherratt (Don Carlos, Peter Grimes) as the debt-ridden Count Waldner, Mezzo-Soprano Karen Cargill (Tristan und Isolde, Les Troyens) as Adelaide, and Soprano Julie Roset (Il Turco in Italia, L’enfant et les sortilèges) as the flirtatious Fiakermilli.
Who are the creative team of Arabella?
The production is directed by Otto Schenk, celebrated for his richly detailed stagings at the Met, including Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Otello. Conductor Nicholas Carter (La Bohème, Carmen) leads the Met Orchestra, making his Met Opera House debut, and design is by Michael Yeargan (The King and I, A View from the Bridge).
Book Tickets for Arabella at the Metropolitan Opera House!
Waltz over to the Met and allow yourself to be swept along to a Viennese ballroom with this elegant Strauss classic. Arabella “radiates appeal” (The New Yorker) and is a feast for the senses, whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or seeking something new. This production offers music, romance, comedy, and lavish spectacle in equal measure - book your tickets for Arabella at the Metropolitan Opera House today!
This production is sung in German, with Met titles available in English, German and Spanish.
Please note that video cameras will be in operation during the November 18 and November 22 performances as part of the Met’s Live in HD series of cinema transmissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Arabella playing in New York?
Arabella is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023.
What is the age recommendation for Arabella?
Arabella is best for age 12+.
How long is Arabella?
The running time for Arabella at Metropolitan Opera House is 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Is there an intermission during Arabella?
Yes, there are two 15 minute intermissions during Arabella.
Can I buy tickets for Arabella at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Metropolitan Opera House box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Arabella are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
