History of Glyndebourne

Audience enjoying the gardens outside the Green Room,  1936/37. © Breckinidge

Use the links below to read a brief history of Glyndebourne's development from the culmination of one man's passion to one of the world's leading opera houses.

The history of Glyndebourne from our origins to the present Early Beginnings

The first curtain rose at Glyndebourne in 1934

Pre-War Years

The creation of an entirely new standard of operatic performance

Post War Years

The audience comes to the rescue

New Generations

Passing on the baton

Glyndebourne Touring Opera

Taking Glyndebourne to the audience

New Opera House

Meeting the demands of audiences, and artists

Glyndebourne Firsts

Glyndebourne’s commissions and premières

Glyndebourne, The House and Gardens

A pdf download is availble on this page

Audrey Mildmay

Discover more about the woman who was the co-founder of Glyndebourne.