The Metropolitan Opera will come to Japan in May for the first time in four years, bringing to Japanese audiences a spectacular selection of three operas: "Samson et Dalila," "Der Rosenkavalier" and "Rigoletto."

Placido Domingo in "Samson and Dalila"

Single performances of Schoenberg's "Gurrelieder" and Verdi's "Messe di Requiem" by the Met orchestra and chorus will be included on the May 19-June 10 tour.

All operas and concerts will be conducted by James Levine, the Met's artistic director, except for "Der Rosenkavalier," which will be conducted by guest conductor Andrew Davis.

Performance highlights will include the great tenor Placido Domingo, playing Samson in "Samson et Dalila," and the Japan debut of soprano Renee Fleming in "Der Rosenkavalier."

The stage for "Samson et Dalila" was designed by Richard Hudson, the stage designer for "The Lion King." Also, for "Gurrelieder," 100 singers and musicians will be added to the original cast.

At a recent press conference, Domingo said that he was looking forward to performing in front of Japanese audiences, because they are renowned for their refined appreciation of music.