Buxton International Festival 2026: A Dazzling Celebration of Opera, Music, and Magic

Buxton International Festival 2026: A Dazzling Celebration of Opera, Music, and Magic
9–26 July 2026 | Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre

Buxton International Festival has revealed an extraordinary line-up for its 2026 season, featuring four brand-new productions, one revival, and a concert performance. Audiences can expect a thrilling mix of classic masterpieces, rediscovered gems, and world-class collaborations — all brought to life across 17 days in the heart of the Peak District.

Festival 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.”

This year marks the completion of Buxton’s Verdi cycle with La traviata, while also spotlighting rarely heard treasures such as Pauline Viardot’s Le dernier sorcier and Francesca Caccini’s La liberazione di Ruggiero. The festival continues to forge creative partnerships with Opera Holland Park, D’Oyly Carte Opera, Vache Baroque, Scottish Opera, Norwich Theatre, and The English Concert Orchestra.

2026 Opera Highlights

La traviata — Giuseppe Verdi
Buxton Opera House
Director: James Hurley | Conductor: Adrian Kelly
Buxton International Festival Orchestra
Verdi’s timeless love story unfolds in Parisian splendour. Violetta dares to love — but at a heart-breaking price. This production completes Buxton’s acclaimed Verdi cycle.
Performed in Italian with English surtitles.
Dates: 11, 15, 18, 22 & 25 July

The Merry Widow — Franz Lehár
Buxton Opera House
A Scottish Opera production with Opera Holland Park & D’Oyly Carte Opera
Director: John Savournin | Revival Director: Bence Kalo | Conductor: Iwan Davies
A joyous whirl of romance, wit, and waltzes, The Merry Widow sparkles with elegance and charm. Expect glamour, intrigue, and irresistible melody.
Performed in English with English surtitles.
Dates: 10, 14, 17, 21 & 24 July

La clemenza di Tito — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Concert performance in Buxton Opera House
Conductor: Adrian Kelly | Buxton International Festival Orchestra
Mozart’s final opera seria tells a story of betrayal and forgiveness, exploring the noble heart of a leader who chooses mercy over vengeance.
Performed in Italian with English surtitles.
Dates: 19 & 23 July

Amadigi di Gaula — George Frideric Handel
Buxton Opera House
Director: Olivia Fuchs | Conductor: Erin Helyard | The English Concert Orchestra
A spellbinding tale of magic, jealousy, and heroism, filled with Handel’s youthful brilliance and Baroque splendour.
Performed in Italian with English surtitles.
Dates: 12, 16 & 20 July

La liberazione di Ruggiero — Francesca Caccini
Pavilion Arts Centre
A Vache Baroque production in association with Buxton International Festival
Conductor: Jonathan Darbourne
Composed in 1625, Caccini’s opera is the first known work by a female composer. This witty, magical tale of freedom and love shines with early Baroque innovation.
Performed in Italian with English surtitles.
Dates: 15, 17, 19 & 21 July

Le dernier sorcier — Pauline Viardot
Pavilion Arts Centre
A Buxton International Festival production with musicians from the BIF Orchestra
A delightful rediscovery of Viardot’s chamber opera about a fallen sorcerer who learns the redemptive power of love. Filled with humour, heart, and enchantment.
Performed in French with English surtitles.
Dates: 13, 16, 20 & 26 July