This spring, Joyce DiDonato returns to The Metropolitan Opera stage once again to portray Virginia Woolf in Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts’ The Hours on May 5, 10, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, & 31.

With a libretto by Greg Pierce, adapted from Michael Cunningham’s acclaimed novel and inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, this hit new opera, which drew sold-out crowds during its world-premiere production last season, returns with its original trio of legendary divas—Renée Fleming, Kelli O’Hara, and DiDonato.

These celebrated artists reprise their acclaimed portrayals of three women from different eras, each wrestling with their inner demons and societal roles. Under the baton of Kensho Watanabe, Phelim McDermott showcases his gripping staging of this heart-wrenching drama.

Catch the Saturday Matinee broadcast of The Hours on May 18 at 1pm EDT, or enjoy free audio streams of the performances on May 10 at 7:25 pm EDT and May 28 at 6:55 pm EDT via the Met Opera website. A recording of the opera is now available via Warner Classics / Erato.

Photo credit: Chris Singer