The If Opera Festival announces its 30th anniversary season.

Up first is Bizet’s “Carmen” with the Bristol Ensemble. Laura Stanfield is the set designer and Joe Price is the lighting designer. James Hurley directs and Oliver Gooch conducts.

Performance Dates: August 6, 8, & 12, 2026

Vache Baroque presents “Baroque Drinking Songs.”

Performance Date: August 7, 2026

Soprano Lynsey Docherty hosts “Get into Opera: A Carmen-inspired Family Fiesta Day.” Chorus members from “Carmen” perform.

Performance Date: August 9, 2026

Oscar Straus’ “The Chocolate Soldier” is directed by Jeff Clarke. Set design is by Elroy Ashmore, Joe Price and Callum Macdonald are lighting designers, Nigel Howard is the costume designer. James Ham conducts the Bristol Ensemble.

Performance Dates: August 11, 13, & 14, 2026

Christian Curnyn presents “The Art Of Baroque: Masterclass & Concert.”

Performance Date: August 13 , 2026

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