18 December 2025
Newsdesk
The Royal Opera House has officially announced a spectacular centerpiece for its 2026 Summer Season: two exclusive residency programmes curated by ballet icons Marianela Nuñez and Carlos Acosta. Running from late July through early August, these performances offer a rare opportunity to witness the artistry of two dancers who have come to define a generation of classical and modern dance.
Marianela Nuñez: A Love Letter to the Stage
The season opens with MARIANELA – Timeless, running from 29 July to 2 August. As one of the most revered Principals in the history of The Royal Ballet, Nuñez has designed this programme as a "heartfelt tribute" to the company that has been her artistic home for decades.
Timeless features a hand-picked selection of one-act ballets from the Royal Ballet repertory, alongside a series of divertissements. Performing with a cast of her fellow Royal Ballet dancers, Nuñez aims to provide audiences with an intimate look at the works that shaped her career and the creative partnerships that continue to inspire her. It promises to be an evening of technical brilliance and deep emotional resonance.
Carlos Acosta: Merging the Classic and the Contemporary
Following Nuñez, former Royal Ballet Principal and current Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta, returns to the Covent Garden stage from 5 to 9 August. His programme, Myths and Modern Masters, continues the momentum of his 50th-birthday celebrations, showcasing the "trademark charisma" that made him a global household name.
Acosta will be joined by guest artists from Birmingham Royal Ballet and his Havana-based company, Acosta Danza. The programme is set to be a dynamic fusion, ranging from rare classical gems to cutting-edge modern works, highlighting Acosta’s enduring influence as both a performer and a visionary leader.
Summer Season 2026
The Royal Opera House, London WC2E 9DD
Marianela – Timeless
29 July – 2 August
Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters
5 – 9 August
Further details of both programmes will be announced in February.
Public booking opens in March
Full programme details will be revealed in February 2026, with public booking opening in March. For more information, visit www.rbo.org.uk.
