In a historic move, Jeanine Tesori will be the first female composer to launch the Metropolitan Opera season in its 141-year history.
Her revamped opera, Grounded, premieres at the Met on Monday night following its debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This event marks a significant milestone in the recognition of female composers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Grounded features mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo and is inspired by George Brant’s play, telling the story of a fighter pilot whose pregnancy forces her to transition to drone operations.
Following its initial performance, Tesori and director Michael Mayer trimmed the opera by 35 minutes and refined the story to enhance the audience’s engagement. Mayer noted, “It didn’t require major surgery, just a fresh perspective.” Tesori added humorously, “Maybe a bit of rhinoplasty and a tracheotomy!”
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This marks Tesori’s fourth opera, building on her acclaim for Broadway hits like Fun Home and Kimberly Akimbo, both of which earned her Tony Awards. Mayer, known for raising the profile of talents like Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff with Spring Awakening, also brings his expertise to this production.
Transitioning from musicals to opera posed its own challenges for Tesori, as operatic productions often operate on tighter rehearsal schedules. The Met’s music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, commended her readiness to make significant cuts to the score—an unusual step for a composer aiming to enhance the narrative.
Tesori joins the ranks of other female composers at the Met, including Ethel M. Smyth, whose Der Wald debuted in 1903, and Kaija Saariaho with L’Amour de Loin in 2016. Nézet-Séguin emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in opera: “If we want opera to resonate with all audiences, we must reflect varied life experiences on stage. Composers like Tesori bring a unique viewpoint that enriches the music.”
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The production also features cutting-edge technology, with set designs by Mimi Lien that blend LED displays and digital art, reflecting the themes of drone warfare and the over-saturation of imagery in modern life.
Looking ahead, more operas by female composers are scheduled for 2026, reaffirming the Met’s commitment to broadening its repertoire. Audiences can anticipate works like Saariaho’s Innocence, Gabriela Lena Frank’s El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, and Missy Mazzoli’s Lincoln in the Bardo.
The eight performances of Grounded will run until October 19, with the final show streamed live to theaters around the globe.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.