THE DORSET OPERA FESTIVAL The social event of Dorset’s summer

The Dorset Opera Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024 – so expect something very special! But every year is special at the home of Country House opera in the South West – and 2023 is no exception! The Festival takes place in Bryanston’s 400 picturesque acres, through which the river Stour gently meanders as it flows to nearby Blandford Forum.

Your opera choices this year are Mozart’s Le nozze de Figaro (Marriage of Figaro) – undoubtedly one of the greatest operas ever written. But the piece that’s getting everyone talking is Massenet’s Le roi de Lahore (The King of Lahore). This spectacular work will involve an international cast of starry soloists, a chorus of 60 and, a full professional orchestra. Whichever opera you choose, the music is glorious and exciting; it will set your pulse racing. Nothing can beat the sound and emotion created by live music…

Why not bring a party or come to both operas on the same day: there are matinées and evening performances on Thursday and Saturday, 27th and 29th July, as well as evening shows on other nights (see the website for full details).

Dorset Opera supports talented young singers who are about to embark on a career in the music profession. With generous support from The Steel Charitable Trust, the company gives full bursaries to chorus singers under the age of 25, who live, study or work in Dorset.

Regular opera-goers are snapping up tickets, with some 70% having been sold already! To encourage children and young people to opera, the ultimate artform, Dorset Opera offers £10 tickets for under 25s in full time education – an initiative sponsored by expert chartered financial planners, Bottriell Adams LLP.

Both operas are on offer at the end of July when summer evenings are balmy and perfect for outdoor picnics or 4-course Opera Dinners. The Pimm’s will be flowing along with champagne from Pol Roger or English sparkling wine from Dorset’s own award-winning Langham Estate…

Don’t miss the social event of Dorset’s summer. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Details

Tickets, picnics, opera dinners and marquee seating, may be accessed, reserved and purchased through the Dorset Opera Festival website: dorsetopera.com or, contact the box office on 07570 366186