Royal Opera House Celebrates Awards and Unveils Ambitious 2025/26 Season

A Cultural Icon Recognised for Excellence

The Royal Opera House continues to cement its position as one of the world’s leading performing arts 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 accolade underscores the venue’s vital role in maintaining Britain’s cultural heritage whilst fostering the next generation of artistic talent.

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House has been a cornerstone of London’s cultural landscape for centuries. The institution, now known as the Royal Ballet and Opera, brings together two world-class companies under one roof, offering audiences extraordinary experiences through opera and ballet productions that set the global standard for artistic excellence.

International Recognition and New Productions

Last night, Thursday 13 November 2025, at the International Opera Awards, 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 a ceremony held in the Stavros Niarchos Hall, Athens. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to commissioning and presenting groundbreaking contemporary works alongside classical repertoire.

The organisation has also extended key partnerships, including a partnership valued at £130 million over the contract’s duration, Company of Cooks will continue to serve guests at the bars, restaurants and cafés of one of London’s most famous cultural venues. This collaboration includes the opening of Cicoria, a restaurant partnership with Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett.

An Exciting Season Ahead

Looking to the future, 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. Opening the Season, Hrůša and Director of Opera Oliver Mears present a new production of Tosca The upcoming season promises eight new productions, including the venue’s first-ever staging of Janáček’s The Makropulos Case.

The Royal Opera House remains committed to accessibility and education, broadcasting productions to over 1,500 cinemas worldwide and running extensive learning programmes that reach thousands of students across the UK. As the institution moves into 2026, it continues to balance innovation with tradition, ensuring opera and ballet remain vibrant art forms for future generations.

Significance for UK Arts and Culture

The Royal Opera House’s recent achievements demonstrate its enduring importance to British cultural life. By winning prestigious awards, commissioning new works, and nurturing emerging talent, the institution ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of the global performing arts scene. For audiences, whether attending in person, watching cinema broadcasts, or engaging through digital platforms, the Royal Opera House offers unparalleled access to world-class performances that inspire, educate, and entertain.