Così fan Tutte – Royal Ballet & Opera 26/27

The Royal Opera

Spurred on by a bet, two young men hatch a plan to test the fidelity of their girlfriends. What follows is a slippery game of seduction and power, the four lovers plunging into a dizzying world of shifting reality, where truth becomes increasingly unstable.

Così fan tutte has lost none of its sting since it first scandalised audiences in 1790. In her Main Stage debut, Netia Jones, Associate Director of The Royal Opera, reimagines Mozart’s comedy of manners through a sharp contemporary lens, where 18th-century romantic trickery meets deeply satirical high-tech deceit. Taking on the roles of the lovers is an exciting young cast led by Louise Alder, Simone McIntosh, Mingjie Lei and Huw Montague Rendall, with Gerald Finley as their manipulative game-master Don Alfonso and Emily Pogorelc as Despina. Thomas Hengelbrock conducts, bringing out the exquisite melodies that underpin the provocative, and resolutely modern, themes at the heart of the opera.

Götterdämmerung – Royal Ballet & Opera 26/27

The Royal Opera

An earth in ruin. The twilight of the Gods.

Deception leads to treachery, then devastation, when Siegfried is tricked into betraying Brünnhilde. Learning the truth of her beloved’s innocence, Brünnhilde at last returns the ring to the Rhinemaidens, before ordering that Valhalla be swallowed in flames. For the long-awaited finale of Wagner’s epic saga, director Barrie Kosky situates the rich apocalyptic drama in a contemporary world of dream-like turmoil. Antonio Pappano, Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, returns to take on the impassioned, otherworldly music – including Siegfried’s transporting Funeral March and Brünnhilde’s electrifying Immolation Scene. The brilliant cast is led by Elisabet Strid, Andreas Schager and Mika Kares, who together with the full forces of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Opera Chorus bring opera’s greatest journey to its shattering end.

La Fanciulla del West – Royal Ballet & Opera 26/27

The Metropolitan Opera

Puccini’s exhilarating drama of the Wild West returns in a new staging by celebrated British director Richard Jones, marking the company’s first new production of La Fanciulla del West in more than 30 years.

Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky adds to her already remarkable Met repertoire, making her role debut as Minnie, the tough tavern owner with a heart of gold who finds love when she least expects it. Tenor SeokJong Baek is the dashing bandit who rambles into the remote California mining town to steal her heart, opposite baritone Christopher Maltman as the lawman determined to deliver rough justice—and win Minnie for himself. Maestro Keri-Lynn Wilson takes the podium to conduct one of opera’s most action-packed adventures, live from the Met stage to cinemas worldwide. This production is part of the Met’s award-winning Live in HD series, bringing opera to cinemas across the globe.

The Nutcracker – Royal Ballet & Opera 26/27

The Royal Ballet

At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds Drosselmeyer, who whisks her away on a journey into a whole world of enchantment: fantastical landscapes of flurried snow and glittering confection where toys come alive and the magic never stops.

Peter Wright’s production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the wondrous swell of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs.

 

Carmen – Royal Ballet & Opera 26/27

The Royal Opera

Under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen attracts the attention of Don José. She warns him not to fall in love with her, but his obsession knows no bounds. Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera.

An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizet’s electrifying and sensual score.

Exhibition On Screen: Monet

To celebrate Tate Britain’s blockbuster Monet and Time exhibition, Exhibition on Screen is delighted to bring the iconic story of Claude Monet to cinema screens in May 2027.

Undeniably one of the world’s favourite artists and the figurehead of the Impressionist movement prepare to be dazzled by his spectacular and revolutionary use of light and colour and step into one the most famous gardens in art history.

Immerse yourself in iconic masterpieces and discover the incredible story of passion and rebellion in this exciting documentary on the man who named the world’s favourite art movement.

Turandot on Sydney Harbour

This Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production, directed by Chen Shi-Zheng, is known for its lavish sets, including a 25-meter dragon and a 20-meter pagoda, and its use of contemporary cinema and Chinese acrobatics.

The production features a cast of world-class singers, including Dragana Radakovic as Turandot and Riccardo Massi as Calaf, and is known for its powerful rendition of “Nessun Dorma”.

La Traviata on Sydney Harbour

Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata returns to the Sydney Harbour water stage featuring a breath-taking soaring 9 metre high, 3.5 ton chandelier covered in 10,000 shimmering Swarovski crystals.

This glamorous production was captured on location on Sydney Harbour in 2021 in front of a sold out audience. La Traviata features timeless romantic arias, lively choreography, beautiful costumes and spectacular fireworks.

Aida on Sydney Harbour

In Aida, Verdi masterfully pits the intimate affairs of the heart against the grandeur of the universe: where kingdoms rise and fall and the sands of time grind onwards. There could be no grander setting for such an opera than Sydney Harbour itself, awash with the light of the city and the Sydney Opera House silhouetted against the setting sun.

Exhibition On Screen: Renoir & Love

Pierre-Auguste Renoir is one of the world’s favourite artists; a founding member of the Impressionist movement and a constantly evolving artist, he is unmatched at depicting human connection. The National Gallery’s blockbuster exhibition brings together vibrant masterpieces which explore love in all its forms, bringing colour and warmth into the cold winter months.

With exclusive access to this exciting new show, Exhibition on Screen will bring these world class works to cinema audiences, with close examination of the art and leading experts exploring the immense skill and influence of this master of colour and connection.

Be transported back to a Parisian summer of love through the eyes of a true visionary. An unmissable opportunity to fall in love with Renoir this winter.