If Opera Festival 2026
06 - 16 August

Church Farm, Wingfield

Beautiful music in extraordinary places

In 2026, we celebrate 30 incredible years! To mark this milestone, we will be welcoming back some of the artists who helped shape our story to present a season that’s as daring, heartfelt and joyful as ever.

Since our first production of Cosi fan tutte in 1996, the magic of opera has unfolded in the most intimate of settings, thanks to the dedication of extraordinary artists and creatives and the support of our Patrons and audiences, and we look forward to sharing more of the magic with you.

Bizet’s Carmen, long considered too ambitious for the tiny Cloister at Iford Manor, finally takes centre stage in a powerful new in-the-round production directed by James Hurley. From its scandalous 1875 premiere to its status as a timeless masterpiece, Bizet’s seductive score pulsates with passion and jealousy, full to the brim with unforgettable melodies and Spanish fire.

Georges Bizet
06 | 08 | 12 | 15 August

Carmen

We are thrilled to welcome back Jeff Clarke and the brilliant Opera della Luna, supremos of comic opera, for a brand-new production of The Chocolate Soldier by the Viennese master of cabaret, Oscar Straus. His operetta, based on George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man, is full of charm, wit and warmth - delivered with Opera della Luna’s signature sparkle and inventiveness.

Oscar Straus
11 | 13 | 14 August

The Chocolate Soldier

Turn back the clock to Baroque-era Europe and enjoy a soul-warming tipple of musical entertainment from the award-winning Vache Baroque. From gods to lowly humans, royalty to revellers, come together for an evening of cellar-inspired drinking songs, jigs, shanties and singalongs from the Baroque masters including Purcell, Handel, Cozzolani and Jenkins. Raise a glass to this squiffy musical output alongside Thomas Guthrie (Lucia di Lammermoor, 2024) and the minstrels of Vache Baroque Band for a unique evening of raucous ribaldry.

Vache Baroque
07 August

A Toast to the Tavern

“One of the UK’s hottest groups”

Opera Today

“An exceptional evening”

★★★★ The Observer

“Witty, risky, and immersive”

★★★★★ Opera Now

Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra has been thrilling audiences in concert halls, theatres, TV shows and music festivals all over the UK and Europe for over 50 years. Renowned for its exciting blend of high-octane Big Band Swing and Classic Dance Music, the Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.