If Opera's 2026 Season

About

If Opera turns 30! To celebrate, they will be welcoming back some of the artists who helped shape their story to present a season that’s as daring, heartfelt and joyful as ever. 

The 2026 repertoire will include Bizet's Carmen and Straus's The Chocolate Soldier in the secluded and peaceful venue of Church Farm. 

Carmen - Georges Bizet

6, 8, 12, 15 August
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. 

The Chocolate Soldier - Oscar Straus

11, 13, 14 August
Opera della Luna present 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.

A Toast to the Tavern - Vache Baroque

7 August
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. 

Picnic Prom - Syd Lawrence Orchestra

16 August
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.

Tickets

Priority booking will open for Patrons, Sponsors and Friends from Monday 09 February 2026.

General booking will open on Thursday 19 March 2026.