Diary of Events 2026/27
Your guide to Dorset Opera’s year of events including 2027 Festival dates
August 2026
August 13th 6-8pm
The Volunteers’ Summer Party
At the Chairman’s home near Dorchester
Our annual thank you to all our super volunteers who help us keep the wheels turning.
November 2026
November 5th | Bluffers’ Lunch No.90
The Life and Loves of Hector Berlioz Speaker: Adrian Thorpe
Slepe Green BH16 6HS | 11:45 – 15:30
Adrian Thorpe explores the life and works of Hector Berlioz, one of France’s most fêted composers, who lived as dramatically as anny of his characters. Adrian will touch on epics such as Les Troyens, Benvenuto Cellini and the darkly splendid Damnation de Faust, interspersed with love stories, artistic battles, and his extraordinary obsession with the actress Harriet Smithson. After a 75-minute lecture with audio-visual clips, we head to the house for a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine. Back to the barn for Q&As and lively discussion over coffee. Ticket link coming soon.
February 2027
February 1st 2027| AGM
The joint AGMs of Dorset Opera and the Friends of Dorset Opera. 6:30pm for 7:30 at Duke’s Auctioneer’s, Copper Street, Brewery Square, Dorchester DT1 1GA.
February date TBC| FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
Priority booking for Patrons in the PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE opens today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
As a member of the President’s Circle, you are the very first to book for the Dorset Opera Festival 2027. You will receive a personal phone call from our box office manager today, to ensure that all your opera ticket and hospitality requirements are met. The box office telephone is open Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5pm throughout February.
February TBC | FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
Priority booking for Patrons in the CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE opens today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
Patrons in the Chairman’s Circle can book today from 8:00 am online or by telephone from 10am: 07570 366186. The box office telephone is open Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5pm throughout February.
February TBC | FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
Priority booking for Patrons in the DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE opens today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
Patrons in the Director’s Circle can book today from 8:00 am online or by telephone from 10am: 07570 366186. The box office telephone is open Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5pm throughout February.
February TBC | FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
Priority booking for Patrons in the CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE opens today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
Patrons in the Conductor’s Circle can book today from 8:00 am online or by telephone from 10am: 07570 366186. The box office telephone is open Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5pm throughout February.
March 2027
March date TBC | FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
Priority booking for Patrons in the OVERTURE CIRCLE opens today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
Patrons in the Overture Circle can book today from 8:00 am online or by telephone from 10am: 07570 366186.
March date TBC | FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
Priority booking for FRIENDS OF DORSET OPERA opens today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
Friends of Dorset Opera can book today from 8:00 am online or by telephone from 10am: 07570 366186.
Our phones can be very busy. If you cannot get through, please leave a message or email boxoffice@dorsetopera.com with a brief message and we will call you back.
March date TBC | FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE
The box office opens to the general public today at 8am online, 10am telephone.
The box office open today at 8:00 am online or by telephone from 10am: 07570 366186.
Our phones can be very busy. If you cannot get through, please leave a message or email boxoffice@dorsetopera.com with a brief message and we will call you back.
July 2027
Friday 16th July TBC| Patrons’ Day at Bryanston
Patrons of Dorset Opera are warmly welcomed to Bryanston for a special behind-the-scenes glimpse of this year’s Festival as it takes shape. Guests will enjoy welcome coffee with pastries and a delicious lunch prepared by Bryanston’s outstanding chef team, with members of the soloist cast, chorus and creative team joining us at the table. There will also be the opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal after lunch. This event is open to Patrons in the Conductor’s Circle and above only. Further details will follow.
For more information about becoming one of our highly valued Patrons, read more here
20-24 July | Dorset Opera Festival 2027
A week of glorious opera at Bryanston, Dorset DT11 0PS
Priority booking for Patrons Dates through February 2027 (according to your level of support)
Priority booking for Friends of Dorset Opera from March TBC
Public booking from date TBC
GET PRIORITY BOOKING 2027
December 2027
Thursday 17th December | Patrons’ Christmas Party, 6-8pm
Dorset Opera Patrons are warmly invited to beautiful Stepleton, home of board member Lucinda Coombs and her husband Jack, for a Christmas Party at which we’ll celebrate the past opera season and look forward to the next. Patrons in the Conductor’s Circle and above.
By invitation.
For more information about becoming one of our highly valued Patrons, read more here