Finnish National Opera And Ballet Announces 2025/2026 Season

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet has announced its 2025/2026 season which features new contemporary operas, romantic ballet gems, and pulsating street dance

The Opera and Ballet season 2025–2026 is a celebration of emotions. We move from one extreme to another, from dark tones towards light and vice versa. The autumn premieres offer fresh interpretations of classics. Giselle, the crown jewel of French Romantic ballet from 1841, is reimagined as a brand-new production set in 1950s Italy, while The Brothers Grimm's fairy tale Hansel and Gretel returns in a new Finnish-language adaptation of the classic Humperdinck opera.

The spring season opens with Morgonstjärnan – The Morning Star, an opera based on Karl Ove Knausgård's novel and composed by Sebastian Fagerlund. It will be followed by Festen, the recent smash-hit opera adaptation by composer Mark-Anthony Turnage of Oscar-winning director Thomas Vinterberg's cult film.

A poignant interpretation of Béla Bartók's Duke Bluebeard's Castle examines the devastation and poignancy of a couple affected by dementia and will play up close and personal in the Almi Hall. Finnish National Ballet's spring season taps into the beat of street dance in Pulse, a collection of three new dance pieces. The final opera premiere of the season presents a double bill of Jean Sibelius's Luonnotar and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Iolanta with a visually impaired eponymous heroine. The Orchestra of Finnish National Opera will continue its concert series at Musiikkitalo under Chief Conductor Hannu Lintu, including a special performance in November celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Chorus of the FNO.

Finnish National Ballet's autumn season opens with Giselle, the crown jewel of French Romantic ballet. Artistic Director and choreographer Javier Torres relocates the timeless story to 1950s Italy. “I wanted to enrich the ballet's story with stronger dramatic contrasts, while preserving some of its original aspects. The set design is by Annukka Pykäläinen, with costumes by Erika Turunen and lighting by Heikki Paasonen. The Orchestra of the FNO will be conducted by Gavin Sutherland. Premiere at the Finnish National Ballet 3 October 2025.

Engelbert Humperdinck's (1854–1921) opera Hansel and Gretel, based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, returns to Finnish National Opera for the first time since 1996. Richard Jones's iconic production of Hansel and Gretel will now be seen on the Main Stage in a new Finnish translation by Mikko Koivusalo. The production promises a rich visual feast for all audiences hungry for culture and may leave us wondering how we ever survive childhood and parenthood. Hansel and Gretel is a production of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Premiere at the Finnish National Opera 24 October 2025. The lead roles are sung by Elli Vallinoja and Polina Liiv, as well as Suvi Väyrynen and Emma Mustaniemi, the parents by Tommi Hakala and Tuija Knihtilä, and the witch Dan Karlström, The cast also features the 20-member children's chorus of FNO.

Artistic Director of the Finnish National Opera Thomas de Mallet Burgess sums up some of his principles in programming this season: ”I'm convinced that our experience of opera can be enhanced with the idea of developing new audiences whilst finding ways to enrich the experience of existing ones, experimenting with involving sections of the community in the development of the work itself, connecting productions to social themes that remind us of the relevance of opera to our time and place, programming contemporary operas and supporting their development. And finally, celebrating the variety short intense performances offer for a fantastic night out.”

Spring premieres include three new contemporary operas, a dance event with three works, and a tribute to opera legend Aino Ackté

The spring season begins on 30 January 2026 with the world premiere of Morgonstjärnan – The Morning Star, where Karl Ove Knausgård's powerfully relevant metaphysical story meets the music of Sebastian Fagerlund, one of the most critically acclaimed composers of his generation. Gunilla Hemming has adapted Knausgård's novel into a powerful libretto, exploring what happens to the human mind and our lives when the world becomes incomprehensible and uncontrollable. The production is directed by the Artistic Director of Finnish National Opera Thomas de Mallet Burgess, with Chief Conductor Hannu Lintu leading the orchestra. Set design is by Leslie Travers, costumes by Tracy Grant Lord and lighting by Matthew Marshall. The soloists include Johan Reuter, Helena Juntunen, Tommi Hakala, Jenny Carlstedt, Niklas Björling Rygert, Nicholas Söderlund, and Mari Palo. This production plays in Swedish with Finnish and English surtitles.

A multi award-winning interpretation of Béla Bartók's Duke Bluebeard's Castle offers an intimate and deeply moving portrait of an ageing couple affected by dementia. In this extraordinary staging, world-class soloists Susan Bullock and Michael Mayes perform just metres away from the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Directed by Daisy Evans, this Theatre of Sound production features set and costume design by Adrian Linford and lighting by Jake Wiltshire. Premiere 20 February 2026 at Almi Hall.

The season also presents Festen, a new opera based on Thomas Vinterberg's acclaimed film. After a triumphant world premiere at London's Royal Opera House in February 2025, this darkly humorous tragedy explores generational trauma, addiction, and abuse, representing contemporary opera at its finest. Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and librettist Lee Hall have adapted the film into an opera in collaboration with director Richard Jones. The soloists include Daniel Brenna, Darren Jeffery, Susan Bickley, John Chest and Natalya Romaniw. The orchestra is conducted by James Hendry. Premiere at Finnish National Opera 27 March 2026.

Finnish National Ballet embraces the rhythm of street dance with the spring premiere of Pulse on 24 April. The distinct approaches and movement languages of its three new works challenge the dancers, allowing them to showcase their versatility. Julian Nicosia's background in contemporary dance meets the street dance influences of Bintou Dembélé and Larkin Poynton. Pulse is more than just a stage performance, extending into pre-show, intermission, and afterparty events. Music for Dembélé's and Poynton's works will be performed live by the Orchestra of the FNO, conducted by Ross Collins.

The season's final opera premiere on 15 May presents two remarkable works in one evening: Jean Sibelius's symphonic poem Luonnotar and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Iolanta. Two women, two stories of creation, two awakenings. Luonnotar, based on a poem from the Kalevala, was composed by Sibelius in 1913 at the request of Aino Ackté. This performance marks the 150th anniversary of Ackté's birth in 2026, celebrating her pioneering role in the rise of Finnish opera. The origin story will be performed by soprano Silja Aalto. In both works, the orchestra is conducted by Kristian Sallinen. In Tchaikovsky's final opera, which was first and last performed at the Finnish National Opera in 1919, Princess Iolanta's blindness is a carefully guarded secret, even from herself. This profound work explores themes of independence, sexual awakening, and equality. This is a new production directed by Antony McDonald, and soloists include Nina Bezu, Mika Kares, Edgaras Montvidas and Iurii Samoilov.

Jere Erkkilä's CircOpera 2.0 will again thrill audiences for all ages with its breathtaking fusion of opera and contemporary circus. World-class circus artists astound with their daring feats, while the full Finnish National Opera Orchestra and singers elevate the experience to an entirely new level. The production integrates modern technology for an added visual spectacle. Performances begin on 22 August 2025. Get ready for some delightful surprises in the opera house foyer before the show begins.

A magical journey continues on 23 August with the return of Cinderella. Esteemed British choreographer David Bintley, who has also created A Christmas Carol, first brought his version of the fairy tale to Finnish National Ballet in 2018. With enchanting choreography, Emma Ryott's exquisite costumes and set design, and Sergei Prokofiev's evocative score, this ballet captivates audiences of all ages. The timeless tale of Cinderella is also a perfect choice for those experiencing ballet for the first time. The Orchestra of the FNO will be conducted by Jan Söderblom.

Elektra, based on an ancient Greek tragedy, is a gripping tale of family, trauma, vengeance, and the yearning for love. Richard Strauss (1864–1949) composed the score for this blood-soaked drama, which requires the largest orchestra in opera. Directed by Patrice Chéreau, this critically acclaimed production returns to the stage on 17 September. The Orchestra of the FNO will be conducted by Chief Conductor Hannu Lintu. The soloists include Sophie Koch, Ricarda Merbeth, Vida Miknevičiūtė, and Sam Taskinen.

When COW premiered at Finnish National Ballet in 2020, it was met with a rapturous reception. In just 90 minutes, Alexander Ekman's choreography unfolds in 12 highly entertaining scenes that verge on the absurd. Ekman's sets and lighting are further enhanced by Henrik Vibskov's imaginative costumes. The production features recorded music by his longtime collaborator, composer Mikael Karlsson. COW returns to the repertoire on 31 October.

There are operas, and then there is Tosca. Giacomo Puccini's (1858–1924) masterpiece returns to Finnish National Opera on 19 November, striking straight to the heart. Last seen in 2021, Christof Loy's cinematic production fills the stage with strong characters. The soloists include Elisabet Strid, Magdalena Hinterdopler, Teodor Ilincăi, Milen Bozhkov, Tuomas Pursio, and Claudio Sgura. Performances conducted by Pietro Rizzo ja Xiang Zhang.

The enchanting family favourite The Nutcracker and the Mouse King returns to the festive season's repertoire on 28 November. Pyotr Tchaikovsky's music, magical sets, captivating dancing, and stunning costumes transport audiences far from their hectic everyday life. The ballet's thrilling twists and turns will excite even the youngest spectators, while its traditional choreography with exquisite pas de deux delight all lovers of classical ballet. The Orchestra of the FNO will be conducted by Erkki Lasonpalo.

A heartbreaking opera classic, La Traviata is based on Alexandre Dumas' novel The Lady of the Camellias (1848), which was inspired by real events. Since its Finnish National Opera debut in 1988, this production has enthralled audiences in more than 200 performances. Giuseppe Verdi's (1813–1901) deeply moving score has immortalised this tale of a woman who is branded 'fallen' but shows more empathy and moral compass than the men who surround her. Returning to the stage on 11 February, La Traviata will be conducted by Stephanie Childress, with Giancarlo del Monaco's production drawing from the finest traditions of opera. Soloists include Diana Alexe, Tuuli Takala, Alejandro Luévanos, Markus Nykänen, Stefano Meo and Heikki Kilpeläinen.

Patrice Bart's dynamic take on the ballet classic Don Quixote returns to the repertoire after a long absence on 27 February. Set under the scorching Spanish sun, this exhilarating ballet follows Kitri and her beloved Basilio through a whirlwind of romance and adventure. Based on Miguel de Cervantes' legendary novel, this production draws from Marius Petipa's choreography, blending virtuoso technique with playful storytelling. A long-standing favourite of Finnish National Ballet, its exuberant solos and entertaining energy continue to dazzle audiences decade after decade. Ludvig Minkus' score will be played by the Orchestra of the FNO, conducted by Tom Seligman.

A concert at Tapiola Church on 7 August, part of the Organ Night and Aria festival, will feature choral gems from operas such as Il Trovatore, The Magic Flute, La Bohème, and Madama Butterfly. The stars of the evening will be the singers of the Chorus of the FNO, who are celebrating their 80th anniversary.

In the 2025–2026 season, the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera @ Musiikkitalo series of four concerts promises more symphonic music gems, as well as vocal music from around the world interpreted by leading names. The soloists of the first concert of the autumn, on 21 August, will be Camilla Nylund, Russell Thomas, Mika Kares, Marina Prusendskaya, Samuli Takkula, and Jere Hölttä. The orchestra will be conducted by Chief Conductor Hannu Lintu. The concert is part of the programme of the Helsinki Festival. The Chorus of the FNO celebrates its 80th anniversary with a gala concert on 4 November, featuring soloists Helena Juntunen and Arttu Kataja, the FNO orchestra conducted by Markus Stenz. The concert series at Musiikkitalo will continue in spring 2026 with two additional performances, made possible by the generous support of Hannele and Henrik von Wendt.

Finnish National Opera is also launching a new collaboration with the Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO), with the aim of laying the groundwork for regular Baroque opera productions in Finland. FiBO is renowned for its skilful performances and imaginative repertoire.

Finnish National Opera and Ballet offers creators within Finland's independent opera and dance art scene the opportunity for production co-operation in the Almi Hall of the Opera House.

The Carl Knif Company visits Almi Hall from 2 to 4 October 2025 with three performances of Matching Steps, a new premiere that takes walking and stepping as its choreographic foundation. In this piece, choreographer Carl Knif explores the relationship between classical music and contemporary dance. The music combines Steve Reich's Clapping Music with a new composition by Janne Hast created specifically for the work.

Ihminen parhaan kykynsä mukaan ("A human to the best of their ability") is a love story between a man and a woman, but without the traditional romance. Based on a libretto by author Tommi Kinnunen, the opera is composed by Joel Järventausta, who has already found international fame despite his young age. The production is directed by Pertti Sveholm. The score is performed by a six-piece orchestra, conducted by Marko Hilpo. Performing roles Pihla Penttinen and Waltteri Torikka. Saaristo-ooppera (Opera Archipelago) visit to Almi Hall includes three performances on 20–22 November.

Arcadi Volodos is among the rare legendary virtuoso pianists of our time. His award-winning recordings have earned honours such as the Gramophone Award, Diapason d'Or, and Edison Award, along with several Grammy nominations. For his Finnish debut, Volodos has curated a programme that highlights the most refined nuances of his artistry. His concert at Almi Hall on 5 October is part of the PianoEspoo festival.

The young dancers of Finnish National Ballet take to the stage at Almi Hall with two performances of Shining Through on 29–30 October. Jorma Elo's poignant work Over Glow, which reflects on the passage of generations and the continuity of life, was met with enthusiastic acclaim during the Youth Company's Glow evening in 2023 and their guest performance in London. Highlights will be featured from Reija Wäre's Clique, a blend of classical ballet and street dance, which was hugely successful when it premiered in 2022. For fans of classical ballet, the programme includes an excerpt from Raymonda.

The Ballet School of Finnish National Ballet concludes its autumn season in December with the return of its very own Sleeping Beauty, performed five times from 9 to 19 December. The production features the entire school, from early education pupils to students in the vocational programme. As per tradition, the spring season will include a choreography workshop by the vocational students in February and the school's spring performance in May.

In addition to operas, ballets, and concerts, the new season will once again include a wide variety of other performances, events, and workshops for audiences of all ages – from toddlers to senior citizens. Each year, the Opera House's audience outreach programme offers hundreds of mostly free activities, ranging from participatory artistic projects to dedicated performances and events for special groups. Explore the full 2025–2026 season, soloist details, and performance dates: oopperabaletti.fi/en/repertoire

The Stage24 streaming service will continue to provide a rich and diverse selection of live and recorded performances throughout the season 2025–2026. More information about the upcoming Stage24 content will be announced in August.

Ticket sales for autumn 2025 performances and season ticket packages begin on Wednesday 2 April at 12 noon via Finnish National Opera and Ballet online store, by phone through customer service, and at Stockmann department store service points.

Individual tickets for autumn performances included in season ticket packages will go on sale on Thursday 31 July at 12 noon. Tickets for all spring 2026 performances become available on Tuesday 7 October at 12 noon.

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