Lausanne Opera Unveils Eclectic 2026-27 Season with Five World Premieres and Rare Works
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The Opéra de Lausanne has announced its 2026-27 season, marking the third under the leadership of Director Claude Cortese. The program promises an ambitious blend of baroque, classical, and 20th-century works, including five productions never before staged in the Swiss city. With a focus on artistic innovation and audience engagement, the season reflects Cortese’s vision of making opera accessible while celebrating its rich history.
From Handel’s Agrippina to Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the lineup spans nearly 400 years of operatic tradition. The season will open on October 4, 2026, with Charles Gounod’s Mireille, directed by Bruno Ravella, and close on June 8, 2027, with Mozart’s timeless masterpiece. In between, audiences can expect rare performances of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, Franz Lehár’s Giuditta, and Vincenzo Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi—a lesser-known adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
“I believe deeply in the relationship of trust between the audience and the programming,” Cortese told reporters during a press conference on April 27, 2026. “With so much repertoire to explore—thousands of titles across four centuries—I think it’s important to spark curiosity and offer a season that respects eclecticism.” His commitment to introducing new works to Lausanne audiences has been a hallmark of his tenure, following the success of past premieres like Guillaume Notify (2024) and Don Quichotte (2025).
A Season of Firsts and Familiar Favorites
The 2026-27 season will feature 10 productions, including six operas, a concert, a ballet, a recital, and a family-friendly show. Among the highlights:
- Mireille (Charles Gounod) – Opening the season on October 4, this rarely performed French opera will be directed by Bruno Ravella, who previously helmed Guillaume Tell and Don Quichotte for the company. Based on a Provençal poem, Mireille is a romantic tragedy set in the Camargue region of southern France.
- Agrippina (George Frideric Handel) – Presented in concert on November 25, this baroque opera will star Czech mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená in the title role. Handel’s satirical take on Roman imperial intrigue remains one of his most enduring works.
- The Turn of the Screw (Benjamin Britten) – Running from November 15 to 22, this 20th-century psychological thriller is based on Henry James’ novella. Britten’s chamber opera is known for its eerie atmosphere and demanding vocal writing.
- Giuditta (Franz Lehár) – A departure from Lehár’s more famous operettas, this “lyric comedy” will be staged from December 20 to 31. Set in North Africa, it blends romance and drama in a style that bridges operetta and grand opera.
- I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Vincenzo Bellini) – Bellini’s bel canto adaptation of Romeo and Juliet will run from March 7 to 14. Unlike Shakespeare’s play, this version focuses on the political conflict between the families, with a more tragic ending for the lovers.
- Pelléas et Mélisande (Claude Debussy) – A cornerstone of French symbolist opera, this work will be performed from April 25 to May 2. Debussy’s only completed opera is celebrated for its impressionistic score and poetic libretto.
- Don Giovanni (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) – Closing the season from May 28 to June 8, this production will cap off the year with one of opera’s most enduring antiheroes. Mozart’s dark comedy remains a staple of the repertoire.
In addition to the main productions, the season will include a family-friendly show, The Enchanted Pig by Jonathan Dove, running from January 27 to February 3. This contemporary opera, based on a Romanian fairy tale, is designed to introduce younger audiences to the art form.
Collaborations and Cultural Outreach
The Opéra de Lausanne is expanding its partnerships this season, including a collaboration with the Grand Théâtre de Genève for the family production. Cortese emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering regional cultural ties. “Opera is not just about the stage—it’s about community,” he said. “By working with other institutions, we can reach new audiences and create shared experiences.”
The season also includes a robust program of cultural mediation, with events designed to deepen audience engagement. These include pre-performance talks, visits to local museums, and collaborations with the Cinémathèque suisse and the mudac (Musée de design et d’arts appliqués contemporains). For example, Mireille will be accompanied by a visit to the Cercle littéraire in Lausanne, while The Turn of the Screw will feature a screening of related films at the Cinémathèque.
“These events are about making opera more than just a night at the theater,” Cortese explained. “They give audiences a chance to explore the themes, history, and context of the works we’re presenting.”
Why This Season Matters for Opera Lovers
The 2026-27 season at the Opéra de Lausanne is notable for several reasons. First, it continues Cortese’s tradition of programming works that have never been staged in the city. Of the six operas, five are Lausanne premieres, offering local audiences a chance to experience rare or lesser-known pieces. This approach aligns with a broader trend in European opera houses, where directors are increasingly turning to neglected works to attract new audiences and challenge traditional repertoire norms.
Second, the season’s eclecticism reflects a growing demand for diversity in operatic programming. By juxtaposing baroque, romantic, and 20th-century works, the Opéra de Lausanne is catering to a wide range of musical tastes. This strategy is particularly important in Switzerland, where opera competes with a vibrant cultural scene that includes theater, dance, and classical music concerts.
Finally, the emphasis on cultural outreach and education underscores the company’s commitment to accessibility. Opera has long been perceived as an elitist art form, but initiatives like the family-friendly The Enchanted Pig and the mediation events aim to break down barriers. “We want people to feel welcome, whether they’re seasoned opera-goers or first-time attendees,” Cortese said.
What’s Next for the Opéra de Lausanne
With the 2026-27 season now announced, the Opéra de Lausanne is turning its attention to production preparations. Rehearsals for Mireille are expected to begin in the summer of 2026, with casting announcements to follow in the coming months. The company will also continue its collaboration with the Grand Théâtre de Genève, with further details on joint productions expected later this year.
For opera enthusiasts, the season offers a rare opportunity to experience works that are seldom performed outside major cultural hubs like Paris, Vienna, or Milan. Whether it’s the baroque intrigue of Agrippina, the psychological tension of The Turn of the Screw, or the romantic tragedy of Mireille, the Opéra de Lausanne’s 2026-27 lineup promises something for every taste.
Tickets for the season will move on sale in the coming months, with subscription packages available for those looking to attend multiple performances. For the latest updates, audiences can visit the Opéra de Lausanne’s official website.
Key Takeaways
- Five Lausanne premieres: The 2026-27 season includes five operas never before staged in the city: Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, Lehár’s Giuditta, Dove’s The Enchanted Pig, Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi, and Handel’s Agrippina (in concert).
- Eclectic lineup: The season spans nearly 400 years of operatic history, from baroque to 20th-century works, including Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande.
- Cultural outreach: A robust program of mediation events, including collaborations with local museums and cultural institutions, aims to deepen audience engagement.
- Family-friendly programming: Jonathan Dove’s The Enchanted Pig introduces younger audiences to opera through a contemporary fairy tale.
- Collaborations: The season includes a partnership with the Grand Théâtre de Genève for the family production.
As the Opéra de Lausanne prepares to open its doors for another season, Director Claude Cortese’s vision of innovation and accessibility continues to shape the company’s identity. With a mix of rare gems and beloved classics, the 2026-27 lineup is a testament to the enduring power of opera—and its ability to evolve with the times.
What are your thoughts on the Opéra de Lausanne’s 2026-27 season? Which production are you most excited to see? Share your comments below and join the conversation.