Longborough Opera Festival Announces Star-Studded 2026 Season

The Longborough Opera Festival has unveiled an exciting lineup for its 2026 season, featuring a mix of renowned operas and talented performers. The festival promises an engaging experience for opera enthusiasts from May to August, with performances showcasing works by notable composers including Handel, Wagner, Verdi, and Humperdinck.

Highlights of the 2026 Season

The festival will open with Handel’s “Orlando,” featuring acclaimed artists Beth Taylor, Anna Devin, Katie Bray, Kelli Ann-Masterson, and Andrew Foster-Williams. Under the direction of Sinéad O’Neill and conducted by Christopher Moulds, this production will run from May 30 to June 7, 2026.

Following this, Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” will take the stage, led by Peter Wedd and Catharine Woodward. They will be joined by performers Catherine Carby, Alastair Miles, Robert Hayward, and Peter Bronder. Conducted by Anthony Negus and directed by Carmen Jakobi, the performances are scheduled from June 20 to July 18, 2026.

The festival will also feature Verdi’s “Macbeth,” with Mark Stone in the leading role. He will share the stage with Viktoriia Balan, Jung Soo Yun, and John Molloy. Conducted by Nil Venditti and under the direction of Karolina Sofulak, this production is set for July 1 to July 16, 2026.

Additionally, Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” will captivate audiences with performances by Joanna Harries, Rosalind Dobson, Darren Jeffery, Lee Bisset, and Kelli Ann-Masterson. Conducted by Karen Kamensek and directed by Lucy Bailey, this production will run from July 30 to August 8, 2026.

Special Performance of Wesendonck Lieder

A special concert featuring the Wesendonck Lieder will also be part of the season. Conducted by Anthony Negus and featuring soprano Emma Bell, this performance is scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The Longborough Opera Festival, located in the scenic Cotswolds region of the UK, has established itself as a prominent venue for innovative operatic productions. With its commitment to showcasing both classical and contemporary works, the festival continues to attract a diverse audience each year.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 season, opera lovers can look forward to a series of performances that promise to deliver both artistic excellence and memorable experiences. Tickets will be available for purchase through the festival’s official website.