A season of stunning performances, classic picnics and Champagne moments at Garsington Opera 2026

From unmissable performances and elegant afternoon teas overlooking the iconic Wormsley Cricket Ground to leisurely walks through the beautiful walled garden and deer park, there’s so much to enjoy at Garsington Opera 2026 as it returns for a spectacular summer season.

Each summer, the rolling Chiltern Hills provide a spectacular backdrop for one of the country’s most enchanting cultural experiences: the annual festival at Garsington Opera.

Running from Wednesday 27 May to Thursday 23 July 2026, this year’s season promises drama, romance and razor-sharp wit in equal measure.

And opening the festival is a brand-new production of La traviata, Verdi’s devastating tale of love and sacrifice.

With its soaring arias and emotional intensity, it remains one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire – and in Garsington’s intimate setting, audiences can expect every glance and gesture to resonate.

Next comes the much-anticipated revival of Der Rosenkavalier, first seen here in 2021 and widely hailed as one of the finest interpretations of the opera in the past half-century. Richard Strauss’s sumptuous score and bittersweet storytelling are brought vividly to life, balancing opulence with aching humanity.

Baroque lovers are in for a treat with a new production of Il ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria (The Return of Ulysses), Monteverdi’s profound meditation on loyalty, identity and homecoming.

The acclaimed creative partnership of John Caird and Laurence Cummings reunites following their triumph with Orfeo in 2022, promising a staging that is both musically rich and theatrically compelling.

Bringing the season to a sparkling close is The Importance of Being Earnest, composer Gerald Barry’s gloriously irreverent take on Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy. Directed in a new production by Jack Furness, this modern masterpiece delivers dazzling wit, anarchic energy and musical brilliance.

With world-class casts, a stunning countryside setting and a reputation for artistic excellence, Garsington Opera’s 2026 season looks set to be unforgettable.

For more information or to book, visit garsingtonopera.org.

Share