Opéra de Baugé
Opera festival in the gardens of Baugé-en-Anjou
About Opéra de Baugé
Opéra de Baugé: An Exceptional Opera Festival in Anjou
The Opéra de Baugé adventure began in 2002 when John and Bernadette Grimmett, opera enthusiasts, decided to create an opera festival on their Capucins property, a former convent located in Baugé-en-Anjou. Inspired by the famous Glyndebourne festival in England, the concept is original: to offer high-quality operas in an intimate and rural setting, with long intermissions allowing the audience to picnic in the gardens or dine at the restaurant.
A Temporary Theatre in the Gardens of the Capucins
From 2003 to 2011, performances were held outdoors in the gardens of the Capucins. After a few years at the municipal theatre in the town center, the festival returned to the Capucins in 2016 with a temporary theatre specially erected for the season. This temporary venue, set up each summer, offers professional acoustic and stage conditions while preserving the rural and intimate atmosphere that makes the festival charming.
Three Operas and Concerts Every Summer
Each season, Opéra de Baugé presents three operas in original productions, performed by an orchestra of professional musicians and talented young singers selected from the best European music schools. The repertoire covers a wide range, from Mozart to Puccini, including Donizetti, Handel, and Offenbach. In addition to the operas, classical music concerts are scheduled in the historic sites of the commune of Baugé-en-Anjou.
The English Art of Living in Anjou
One of the unique features of Opéra de Baugé is the 90-minute intermission between acts, inherited from the Glyndebourne tradition. The audience is invited to picnic on the lawns of the Capucins gardens or to dine at the adjacent restaurant, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and relaxed. Spectators come dressed elegantly, with picnic baskets filled with fine food and local wines, to enjoy an evening that combines lyrical art and the art of living.
A true cultural gem of Anjou, Opéra de Baugé contributes to the international renown of Baugé-en-Anjou and attracts music lovers from all over France, the United Kingdom, and Europe each summer.
Opéra de Baugé — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Opéra de Baugé takes place from July 23 to August 4 in the ephemeral theater of the Capucins gardens, in Baugé-en-Anjou. Three productions are scheduled: Acis, Galatea and Polyphemus by Handel, Don Pasquale by Donizetti and the diptych Suor Angelica / Gianni Schicchi by Puccini, complemented by concerts.
2026 Edition — July 23 to August 4
For its 2026 season, Opéra de Baugé presents three original lyrical productions performed in the ephemeral theater set up in the Capucins gardens, with an orchestra of professional musicians and young singers.
- Acis, Galatea and Polyphemus — Georg Friedrich Handel (pastiche combining Acis et Galatée and Polifemo), notably featuring Denis Sedov and Alexandra Kovalevich.
- Don Pasquale — Gaetano Donizetti, with Gheorghe Palcu in the title role and James Roser as Doctor Malatesta/Dulcamara.
- Suor Angelica / Gianni Schicchi — Giacomo Puccini (two parts of the Trittico), with the return of Monika-Evelin Liiv and Susanna Gaspar.
The season also includes a Mendelssohn concert at Les Capucins and a conductors' concert, as well as a conducting competition. Performances begin at 6 PM (except Don Pasquale on August 2 at 3 PM), with the traditional picnic break.
Programme Opéra de Baugé 2026
Acis, Galatea and Polyphemus — G.F. Handel
- Thursday, July 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
- Saturday, July 25, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
- Friday, July 31, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
Don Pasquale — G. Donizetti
- Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
- Thursday, July 30, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
- Sunday, August 2, 2026 — 3:00 PM · Les Capucins
Suor Angelica / Gianni Schicchi — G. Puccini
- Saturday, August 1, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
- Monday, August 3, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026 — 6:00 PM · Les Capucins
Concerts
- Mendelssohn Concert — Les Capucins: Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 2026
- Conductors' Concert — CCRA: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 8:30 PM
Highlights Opéra de Baugé 2026
- Three lyrical productions: Handel, Donizetti, and Puccini
- Ephemeral open-air theater in the Capucins gardens
- Professional orchestra and young international singers
- Performances at 6 PM with a friendly picnic break
Prices Opéra de Baugé 2026
Practical information — Opéra de Baugé
Practical Information
Location
Les Capucins, Baugé-en-Anjou. Temporary theatre erected in the gardens for the summer season.
Dates
From late July to early August. Approximately ten performances over two weeks.
Access
By car: Baugé-en-Anjou is located 40 km northeast of Angers. Parking on site.
By train: Angers station (40 km), then car.
Prices
Paid tickets. Booking recommended on the official website operadebauge.fr. Possibility to book a picnic basket or dinner at the Capucins restaurant.
Tips
- Elegant attire recommended
- Prepare your picnic for the 90-minute intermission between acts
- Book your tickets in advance, seats sell out quickly
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Where does it take place — Opéra de Baugé
Les Capucins
Les Capucins, 432 route du Lude, 49150 Baugé-en-Anjou, 49150 Baugé-en-Anjou