Love in the orchestra pit
Francisco Couto and Stefania Saglietti-Couto met at the Finnish National Opera Orchestra. This is their love story.
Melodies from the monastery – Dialogues des Carmélites and the resistance of the nuns
Francis Poulenc chose the voices of nuns to discuss the crisis of post-war France and the internal struggles of an individual in his most grandiose work, Dialogues des Carmélites.
The history of Swan Lake in Finland
Swan Lake, which was the first ever ballet to be staged at the Finnish Opera in 1922 and seen at the opening celebration of the new Opera House in 1993, has been one of the most important works in the history of the Finnish National Ballet.
From a sinister atmosphere to joyful Christmas sounds
Composer of A Christmas Carol, Sally Beamish talks about the music of the world premiere ballet.
Madama Butterfly: a Japanese perspective
Vuonna 1904 Milanossa ensiesityksensä saaneen Madama Butterflyn tarina sijoittuu Japaniin. Lue Kumi Shimozakin kiinnostava artikkeli!
A beginner’s guide to opera
This concise guide explains how to follow the story of an opera, what an aria is, and how to pick the right production for your first visit.
An interview with the new Artistic Director of the Opera, Thomas de Mallet Burgess
“Oopperan pitää puhutella meitä tässä ja nyt,” sanoo Kansallisoopperan uusi taiteellinen johtaja Thomas de Mallet Burgess. Lue haastattelu!
From the director of Don Giovanni
W. A. Mozart’s Don Giovanni is director Jussi Nikkilä’s first genuine deep dive into the world of opera. ”The story is about a sex addict. I wanted to take a bold approach to the theme. Don Giovanni is an adult male who has operated in a certain way for decades. His entire character, his behavioural pattern and what he does to people provide an ideal landscape and dramatic tension for a director.”
”Somehow reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet”
Composer Philip Venables and director Johanna Freundlich share their thoughts about the opera Denis & Katya. Read more!
Orientalism and Puccini’s Turandot
What is Orientalism and how is it manifest in the arts? Read this interesting article about Orientalism in Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot.