Royal Opera House Celebrates Excellence with New Season and Historic Commissions

Award Recognition and Artistic Excellence

The Royal Opera House continues to cement its position as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. The Royal Ballet and Opera has been awarded the prestigious WOLF Award for Future Legacy at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2025, in recognition of its exceptional commitment to nurturing, developing and preserving the talent and skills that underpin the UK’s creative industries. This recognition underscores the venue’s dedication to artistic excellence and its role in shaping the future of performing arts in the United Kingdom.

Additionally, The Royal Opera’s critically acclaimed, sold-out production of Festen – a new work by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Lee Hall – was honoured with the World Premiere Award at the International Opera Awards in Athens, further demonstrating the institution’s commitment to contemporary opera and new commissions.

An Exciting 2025/26 Season Ahead

The Royal Opera House has unveiled an ambitious programme for its 2025/26 season. In 2025/26, The Royal Opera welcomes Music Director Jakub Hrůša, and Principal Guest Conductor Speranza Scappucci, who join Royal Ballet Music Director Koen Kessels as RBO’s trio of Maestri. The season promises eight new productions, including a new production of Tosca – one of eight new productions throughout the year and the company’s first-ever staging of Janáček’s The Makropulos Case.

For ballet enthusiasts, the season brings world premieres from two of the UK’s leading choreographers, Wayne McGregor and Cathy Marston. The diverse programming ensures there is something for both traditional opera and ballet lovers as well as those seeking innovative contemporary works.

Historic Stage Curtain Commission

In a significant symbolic gesture, the Royal Opera House has commissioned new stage curtains to honour His Majesty King Charles III. The commission includes the replacement of the Main Stage curtains, which have graced the Royal Opera House for the past 26 years and have witnessed more than 10,000 performances. The curtains will feature the personal cipher of His Majesty King Charles III, Patron of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Opera, and The Royal Ballet, marking both a practical necessity and a symbolic renewal for the historic venue.

Significance for Arts and Culture

These developments highlight the Royal Opera House’s continued relevance in the contemporary cultural landscape. By balancing tradition with innovation—from commissioning new operas to honouring royal patronage—the institution demonstrates its commitment to remaining at the forefront of the performing arts world. For audiences in the UK and around the globe, who can experience productions through cinema broadcasts in over 1,500 venues worldwide, the Royal Opera House continues to make world-class ballet and opera accessible to all.