The Festival Opera has announced its 2026 season in Walnut Creek California will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Opera

The season opens with a Spring Soiree featuring soprano Carrie Hennessey, baritone Zachary Gordin and pianist Daniel Lockert.

Performance Date: March 29, 2026

Derek Tam conducts Handel’s “Alcina” with Nikola Printz in the title role, Courtney Miller as Ruggiero, Shawnette Sulker as Morgana and Sara Couden as Bradamante. Zachary Gordin directs.

Performance Dates: June 13-21, 2026

Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’amore” will be presented in Opera in the park in a 90 minute abridged version.

Performance Dates: July 23-26, 2026

The Salon Series

The first one will feature festival resident artists.

Performance Date: Sept. 27, 2026

Opera Mad scene will be performed by sopranos Aura Veruni and Lila Khazoum. They will perform from “Idomeneo,” “Macbeth,” “The Magic Flute,” “Anna Bolena,” “Hamlet,” and “Lucia di Lammermoor.”

Performance Date: Oct. 25, 2026

Premiere of Festval Opera’s commissioned song cycle by composer Juan Sebastan Carona Ospina and libretist Michael Colbruno will feature baritone Efrain Solis.

Performance Date: Nov. 22, 2026

Also on offer is “First Fridays,” opera and musical theater highlights scheduled for on March 6, April 3 and May 1 at the Hotel Mac, Biancoverde Restaurant.