Waterperry Opera Festival announces 2026 headline productions: La bohème and The Elixir of Love
Two celebrated masterpieces to be performed in English, created by critically acclaimed creative teams
Waterperry Opera Festival is delighted to announce the two major headline productions for its 2026 season: Puccini’s La bohème and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, both presented in vivid and accessible English translations. Following the Festival’s record-breaking 2025 season, these cornerstone operas will take centre stage next summer, performed against the backdrop of Waterperry’s iconic gardens and continuing the Festival’s mission to bring imaginative, world-class opera to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The first ever production of La bohème at Waterperry will be directed by Ruth Knight, a rising star in the opera world, following audience and critical acclaim with Handel’s Rodelinda at Garsington Opera. The production will be conducted by the award-winning Bertie Baigent, whose dynamic musicianship and rapidly rising profile bring an exciting musical force to this landmark staging. The designer will be Jennifery Gregory, who is returning to Waterperry after designing the much lauded Semele in 2025. The production will be lit by Ben Pickersgill, whose recent successes include The Merry Widow for Scottish Opera/Opera Holland Park and Rodelinda at Garsington.
The Elixir of Love reunites the full creative team from 2025’s Don Giovanni. John Wilkie returns for his third year, having had tremendous success with Waterperry’s productions of Don Giovanni and The Barber of Seville, as well as his recent production of Ferrari’s Il Segreto di Susanna at Opera Holland Park. His comedic flair will be supported by designer Ceci Calf, teaming up with Wilkie for a third year, and lighting designer Jake Wiltshire, who recently lit Irish National Opera’s exceptional new production of Madama Butterfly. The production will be conducted by Charlotte Politi, bringing her vibrant, character-driven musical interpretation to this sparkling comedy.
Building on a year that saw unprecedented audience turnout and the Festival’s highest-ever selling Main Stage production, Waterperry’s 2026 season aims to deepen its connection with both loyal supporters and the growing number of younger and first-time operagoers. The choice of these two beloved operas — one heart-rending, one joyously comic — reflects the Festival’s continued commitment to presenting repertoire that is both artistically ambitious and emotionally resonant.
Newly appointed Artistic Director and CEO, John Savournin, commented: ‘These two universally adored operas will sit perfectly in Waterperry’s beautiful setting and allow us to continue championing the reach of this important art form. Underscoring our commitment to accessibility, La bohème and The Elixir of Love will be sung in English, ensuring that audiences can connect with these stories directly and viscerally, whether they’re seasoned opera enthusiasts or joining us for the very first time. I am thrilled to welcome such extraordinarily talented directors and designers to Waterperry, and we look forward to sharing more about this rich and varied season in the coming months, including our wonderful casts.’
Music Director and Co-Founder, Bertie Baigent, added: ‘After a landmark 2025 season, we are more energised than ever to build on that momentum. These two masterpieces offer enormous scope for imaginative staging, rich musical expression, and powerful character-driven storytelling – qualities that have become central to Waterperry’s artistic identity. We can’t wait to bring them to life with our exceptional creative teams and performers.’
As preparations for 2026 begin in earnest, Waterperry Opera Festival remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for early-career artists through its acclaimed Young Artist programme, investing in bold creative work, and welcoming new audiences into the world of opera within the unique natural beauty of the Oxfordshire countryside.
The full 2026 programme, including family performances and further site-specific productions, will be announced in January. Priority booking will open in early March.
For more about the Waterperry Opera Festival click here.