Peter Grimes

One of the defining works of 20th-century opera, Peter Grimes is, at its heart, a masterful study of one man’s ostracism from his community and the psychological toll that it takes not only on him but everyone around him. During the 2022–23 season, this towering masterpiece retook the Met stage for the first time in nearly 15 years, with tenor Allan Clayton delivering a devastating portrayal of the title character. Alongside him, soprano Nicole Car starred as Ellen Orford, the widowed schoolteacher who alone shows Peter compassion, with bass-baritone Adam Plachetka as the stern sea captain Balstrode. Maestro Nicholas Carter took the podium to lead the mighty forces of the Met Orchestra and Chorus in the thunderous score, which is awash with the sea spray and salty air of its coastal English setting.