English National Opera has announced its English National Opera 2026/27 Season, a daring nine-opera programme presented across London and Greater Manchester.
The season will feature six new productions, four works by contemporary female composers, and stories that explore resistance, resilience and freedom.
Highlights include the first UK performances in 15 years of Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s Einstein on the Beach, directed by Phelim McDermott in a major international co-production.
Lars von Trier’s cult film Breaking the Waves receives its London operatic premiere in a new staging by Tinuke Craig.
Annilese Miskimmon directs new productions of Tosca and Adriana Mater at the London Coliseum, following the success of her Olivier Award-winning Dead Man Walking.
Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride enters ENO’s repertoire in a new production directed by Lyndsey Turner.
Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of English National Opera, said: “Our 2026/27 Season sees ENO further embrace its role as a national opera company, with two centres. Through pioneering creative partnerships and collaborations across London, Greater Manchester and nationally, we continue to enable more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power of opera.”
She added: “This is a season that speaks profoundly to the essential and the extraordinary, opening up new and vital possibilities for opera in people’s lives right across the UK.”
Annilese Miskimmon said: “At a time of global uncertainty, this season celebrates the power of art and artists, with a programme that explores resistance, resilience and what it means to be free.”
She continued: “As we approach 100 years in London and expand our presence in Greater Manchester and nationally, we invite everyone, whether they are new to opera or lifelong fans, to join us for a daring and provocative operatic season.”
The season also includes revivals of Angel’s Bone and La traviata, a one-night-only UK premiere of guest opera To Die For [A Comedy], relaxed performances, and a comic double bill of Trial by Jury and The Zoo.
ENO has announced Spanish conductor Néstor Bayona as its new 2026–28 Mackerras Fellow, mentored by Music Director Designate André de Ridder.
Néstor Bayona said: “It is an honour to be appointed ENO’s Mackerras Fellow for 2026–28. The opportunity to work at the London Coliseum and in Greater Manchester so closely with a mentor of the calibre of André de Ridder and collaborate with the outstanding musicians of the ENO Chorus, Orchestra and Music Staff will be invaluable to my development as a conductor.”
As part of its commitment to accessibility, ENO will offer 5,000 free tickets for Under 21s, substantial Under 35 discounts, and ticket prices starting from £25.
The announcement is accompanied by a season trailer starring Yomi Adegoke, featuring the Orchestra of ENO performing an aria from Tosca.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
