Buxton International Festival (9-26 July 2026) unveils its 2026 operas, including four brand new productions, a revival and a concert performance.
Verdi’s La traviata remains one of opera’s most luminous and heartbreaking love stories. Violetta, the glittering star of Parisian society, dares to love — but at a devastating cost. From the joyous Brindisi to the poignant finale, Verdi’s masterpiece continues to move audiences worldwide.
A glittering operetta of romance, wit, and intrigue, The Merry Widow follows Hanna Glawari, a wealthy widow whose charm and fortune set off a flurry of romantic schemes. With Lehár’s waltzing score and sparkling humour, this classic brims with elegance and delight.
Mozart’s final opera seria, La clemenza di Tito, tells a story of betrayal, mercy, and the strength of leadership. Emperor Tito’s forgiveness in the face of treachery reveals the noblest side of humanity in one of Mozart’s most moving and majestic works.
A dazzling tale of enchantment, love, and jealousy, Amadigi di Gaula showcases Handel’s youthful brilliance in music of fire and fantasy. With radiant arias and a score alive with colour, this rarely staged gem promises Baroque opera at its most vivid.
The first known opera by a female composer, La liberazione di Ruggiero (1625) bursts with wit, magic, and early Baroque invention. A tale of sorcery, love, and liberation, it celebrates the imagination and trailblazing genius of Francesca Caccini.
A Buxton International Festival production featuring musicians from the Buxton International Festival Orchestrain Pavilion Arts Centre. Rediscovered after more than a century, Viardot’s Le dernier sorcier is a chamber opera brimming with humour, humanity, and heart. As a fallen sorcerer faces the power of love and humility, this enchanting work reminds us of opera’s enduring magic.
Commenting, artistic director Adrian Kelly said: “In true Buxton style, we present an ambitious line-up of six productions for 2026. Across 17 days, our operas encompass a range of centuries, styles, and stories.
“We complete our Verdi cycle with La traviata in Buxton Opera House and we perform lesser-known gems including Viardot’s Le dernier sorcier and Caccini’s La liberazione di Ruggiero in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Collaborations include Opera Holland Park, D’Oyly Carte Opera, VacheBaroque, Scottish Opera, Norwich Theatre and The English Concert Orchestra.”
Public Booking for La traviata and The Merry Widowopens on Monday 15 December at 10am. Tel: 01298 72190
buxtonfestival.co.uk
