Met Opera’s 50th Anniversary Gala — Netrebko, Hvorostovsky & Domingo set the stage on fire in a historic, emotion-packed night that redefined opera. The Met Opera’s 50th Anniversary Gala in 2017 wasn’t just a concert; it was an epic clash of legends. Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Plácido Domingo delivered a once-in-a-lifetime performance that had fans on their feet, leaving social media buzzing. A night of powerful arias, emotional reunions, and opera’s finest voices—this was history in the making. Fans erupted, critics raved—what’s next for opera after this?

On May 7, 2017, the Metropolitan Opera celebrated its golden anniversary at Lincoln Center with a star-studded gala that showcased the rich legacy and vibrant future of the institution. The five-hour event featured thirty-one performances by some of the world’s most renowned opera artists, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Marco Armiliato, and James Levine.

A highlight of the evening was the surprise appearance of Dmitri Hvorostovsky, who had been battling brain cancer. Despite his health challenges, the Russian baritone delivered a powerful rendition of Verdi’s “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata” from Rigoletto, moving the audience to tears and earning a standing ovation .

Other memorable performances included Anna Netrebko’s rendition of “Un bel dì” from Madama Butterfly, Renée Fleming’s “Porgi, amor” from Le Nozze di Figaro, and Javier Camarena’s dazzling high Cs in “Pour mon âme!” from Don Pasquale . Plácido Domingo, the Met’s former artistic director, also graced the stage, performing “Nemico della patria” from Andrea Chénier and a duet with Fleming from Massenet’s Thaïs .​

The gala was not only a celebration of the Met’s storied past but also a testament to the enduring power of opera to move and inspire audiences. The performances, captured in a 3-CD set titled 50 Years at Lincoln Center: A Gala Celebration, continue to resonate with opera enthusiasts worldwide .​