Glyndebourne 2018

Madama Butterfly

Annilese Miskimmon’s production, first seen in 2016, sharply updates Puccini’s tear-jerker to postwar Japan and the scandal of “comfort women”. For this revival, Omer Meir Wellber conducts a cast led by the Moldovan soprano Olga Busuioc as the deluded but heroic CioCio-san. May 19-July 18

Pelléas et Mélisande

To mark the centenary of Debussy’s death, Stefan Herheim directs a new production of the composer’s only completed opera – a magically beautiful score that tells the story of a tragic love triangle. Christina Gansch and John Chest play the title roles, and Glyndebourne’s music director Robin Ticciati conducts. June 30-August 9

Der Rosenkavalier

This worldlywise romantic comedy is Richard Strauss’s most popular opera, presented here in Richard Jones’s witty and colourful production. Rachel Willissørensen sings the Marschallin, a married aristocrat having a secret affair with Octavian, a boy half her age, played here by Kate Lindsey. May 20-June 26

Saul

Barrie Kosky’s dazzlingly original production of Handel’s grand biblical oratorio was a smash hit at Glyndebourne 2016. It returns by popular demand with a new cast including Allan Clayton and Iestyn Davies as David and Jonathan. July 19-August 25

Giulio Cesare

Much loved and admired since it was first seen in 2005, David Mcvicar’s production of Handel’s operatic masterpiece returns with Sarah Connolly repeating her iconic performance as the Roman general, infatuated by the kittenish charms of Egyptian queen Cleopatra (Joélle Harvey). June 10-July 28

Vanessa

Seldom staged in Britain, Samuel Barber’s opera is a sinister and erotic thriller, with Hitchcockian twists and dark psychological undertones. Keith Warner directs this new production, with Emma Bell as the enigmatic heroine and David Butt Philip as the young man who steals her heart. Jakub Hrůša conducts the sumptuous score. August 5-26