The Arcola Theatre’s alt-opera festival Grimeborn returns for its 19th year in 2026 and it’s as eclectic as ever. There are, to put it bluntly, a whole lot of operas on, with the most classic surely being a brace of Mozart’s greatest hits in the shape of stripped down takes on Cosi Fan Tutte (Jul 21-25) and The Magic Flute (Aug 25-29). Seeing intimate stagings of these usually enormous cast classics is a thrill, but only part of what Grimeborn’s all about. There’s plenty of new material as well, often in double bills, like brace of new climate operas After My Breath/Eden 2.0 (Jul 15-18) or pairing of murder mysteries Cupboard Love/Three Sisters Who Are Not Sisters (Jul 29-Aug 1). For the full, weeks-long line-up, see the website.
London is one of the world centres of classical music, and there’s a staggering number of concerts, recitals, festivals and lunchtime services taking place in the capital every month. Our advice? Head to any of the shows recommended below and you’ll be in for a treat.