A game of wicked and whimsical liaisons

As the curtain rises, it feels as if you’re stepping into a grand, splendid celebration. Franz Lehár’s (1870–1948) effervescent operetta The Merry Widow offers a taste of genuine old world glamour, aristocratic reverie, catchy melodies, and can-can.

This operetta, a playful take on the relationship entanglements of a wealthy young widow, has been presented at the Finnish National Opera a record-breaking 313 times. In spring 2025, it will be performed in Finnish, with soprano Mari Palo shining in the title role.

”If I was a Parisian,
I’d almost be amused,
But as a Pontevedrian,
I’m thoroughly confused.

Is it my grace? Is it my face?
Or my looks I should thank?
Or maybe it’s the fact
I have millions in the bank.”

– the merry widow

synopsis

The people of the fictional principality of Pontevedro want to keep the fortune of Hanna Glavari, a rich young widow, within the country’s borders. Baron Mirko Zeta comes up with an ingenious strategy: the First Secretary of the embassy, Danilo, must marry her. Danilo is found at Maxim’s cabaret, but he refuses to propose to Anna, though he used to be in love with her. He does, however, promise to fob off her Parisian suitors.

The relationship between Camille and Baron Zeta’s wife, Valencienne, faces no obstacles, though. When Baron Zeta is about to discover them alone at a pavilion, Hanna saves the day by taking the place of the Baroness, which makes Danilo jealous. Hanna reveals she will lose her fortune if she remarries, and Danilo finally dares to propose to her – but Hanna still has another surprise in store.

Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.

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