| Wednesday 22 July 2026 | 19:00 |
| Thursday 23 July 2026 | 19:00 |
| Saturday 25 July 2026 | 14:00 |
| Dorset Opera | ||
| Jeremy Carnall | Conductor | |
| Paul Carr | Director | |
| Rufus Martin | Set Designer | |
| Libby Watson | Costume Designer | |
| James Smith | Lighting Designer | |
| Dorset Opera Orchestra | ||
| Dorset Opera Chorus | ||
| Stephen Harris | Choirmaster / chorus director | |
| Won Whi Choi | Tenor | Samson |
| Mae Heydorn | Mezzo-soprano | Dalila |
| Alexey Gusev | Baritone | High Priest of Dagon |
| Jonathan Eyers | Bass | Abimélech |
| Aidan Smith | Bass | The Old Hebrew |
| Sam Weakley | Bass | Second Philistine |
| Jamie Formoy | Tenor | Philistine Messenger |
Samson et Dalila recounts the biblical story of Samson whose charismatic leadership and extraordinary strength have drawn the attention of political enemy Dalila, who is determined to uncover the secret of his strength. Yet Dalila is also drawn to him and when the High Priest of Dagon encourages her to use seduction as a weapon, Dalila agrees to seduce and betray Samson. Their private encounter is the emotional heart of the opera.
Succumbing to human desire, Samson reveals the secret of his strength: his uncut hair. Dalila’s triumph is devastating. Once Samson is asleep, she cuts his hair and strips him of his power.
In the final act, Samson is imprisoned, blinded, and humiliated. When Dalila reappears, cold and distant, he prays to God to restore his strength one last time. His prayer is answered, leading to one of opera’s most unforgettable climaxes…
Sung in French with English surtitles.
