A Night at the Opera
Experience the thrill, drama, and romance of some of opera’s most beloved and immersive stories!
- Date
- 5th June 2026
- Time
- 7:30pm - 9:30pm
About this event
London Concertante presents a sensational evening at the opera with an array of the finest opera arias and overtures, performing works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart. Enjoy some of the best from Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Così fan tutte and so much more.
Experience the thrill, drama, and romance of some of opera’s most beloved and immersive stories, performed by acclaimed live orchestra, London Concertante, and some of the UK’s greatest opera singers – all presented by spectacular candlelight as part of their sell-out Candlelight Concerts series
Feel the intensity of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” from the epic opera Turandot, as its powerful notes sweep over you. Delight in the delicate harmonies of Delibes’ “Flower Duet” from Lakme, a floral celebration of soprano voices. Meanwhile Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro Overture” sets the tone for comedic intrigue, leading seamlessly to the emotional depth of Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Gianni Schicchi.
The evening continues with the lively overture from Rossini’s Barber of Seville, followed by Verdi’s spirited “La donna e mobile” from Rigoletto. Experience the seductive allure of Bizet’s Habanera from Carmen before being serenaded by Puccini’s heartrending arias, “Un Bel Di Vedremo” from Madame Butterfly and “E Lucevan le Stelle” from Tosca.
If you don’t consider yourself ‘in the know’ about Rossini, Verdi, or Puccini, fear not, this is the orchestra for you. London Concertante boasts an impressive record in which half of all spectators are first time classical concert goers.
The highly acclaimed orchestra has its audience laughing at jokes, gasping at virtuosity, moved by gorgeous string playing, and leaving with a smile on their faces.
Join us for a night where each piece is a precious gem, meticulously chosen to showcase the depth and diversity of the operatic experience.
Let the melodies resonate in your heart and soul, as the performers transport you to a world of classical music, passion, drama, and exquisite musicality.
While the Cathedral is the location for this event, it is organised, and tickets sold, by an external company. If you have any queries regarding the event or tickets, please contact: info@candlelightconcerts.co.uk. Please do not call the Cathedral as we will not be able to help you with any ticketing issues.
Share this venue
About the Venue
For over 1,000 years, the site of Suffolk ’s Cathedral has been one of worship and pilgrimage.
The death of Edmund, King of the East Angles, at the hands of the Danes in 869 led to the building of an abbey to house his remains. St James’s Church was built within the precincts of the Abbey, becoming a Cathedral in 1914. The Cathedral building has continued to develop over recent years with the addition of the Millennium Tower, completed in 2005, and its magnificent painted and gilded vault, added in 2010. In 2009 the Cathedral changed its dedication to become the Cathedral Church of St James and St Edmund.
Visitors are welcome to look around the Cathedral on their own. Entry is free but donations gratefully received. A free introductory leaflet is available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Polish. Visitors are most welcome to attend any of the daily services.
Guided Tours of the Cathedral run Monday to Saturday at 11.30 am and some Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Cathedral Shop. Occasionally a tour may have to be cancelled if another event is taking place in the Cathedral. If you are travelling some distance, please do ring the Cathedral office to check. These tours last approx 1 hour and cost £7 per person (under 16s free).
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Tower Tours - Experience a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of St Edmundsbury Cathedral's Millennium Tower with fun and knowledgeable guides. Explore heady heights with amazing views from the top of the tower, the highest point in Bury St Edmunds! Don’t forget your camera!
St Edmund Statue by Dame Elisabeth Frink - A trip to Bury St Edmunds would not be complete without a photo of the iconic St Edmund statue by Dame Elisabeth Frink. The statue can be found outside in the Great Churchyard of the Cathedral.
Cathedral Lego Project - St Edmundsbury Cathedral has launched an ambitious project to recreate the Cathedral out of 200,000 LEGO bricks! Visitors can see the Lego Cathedral being built before their eyes and donate a brick to be part of this amazing project. The Lego Cathedral is located in the South West corner of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Opening times may vary based on volunteer availability.
The Ancient Library - The Ancient Library was founded by Dr Miles Mosse in 1595 as a resource for clergy training. There are over 550 books, mainly printed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The library, in a room over the north-west porch designed by Stephen Dykes Bower in 1960, has bookcases made by Leonard Goff in 2004. If you would like to visit the library, please contact the librarian through the Cathedral Office on visits@stedscathedral.org or 01284 748730.
The Cathedral Treasury - Visitors can view a wonderful collection of treasures including the beautiful Bury Psalter - an illuminated book of psalms made and used at the Abbey of St Edmund, a replica of The Bury Cross or Cloisters Cross (the real cross is on display The Met in New York) made by Master Hugo during the days of the Abbey. The Treasury is open seven days a week: Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 12.30pm – 3pm.
Pilgrim's Kitchen - after touring the Cathedral why not relax with a cuppa at the Cathedral's cafe?
"A lovely gem in Bury St Edmunds, a must visit."
"Really gorgeous cathedral with a lot of history and a lot of areas to explore."
"The grounds are spectacular enough as they contain the remains of a destroyed abbey but once you enter the Cathedral it's like entering something from Camelot. I have never come across a Cathedral with such a range of textures and colours on the floor, cleaning and stained glass."
