AIDA, THE (R)EVOLUTION OF STEVE JOBS, And HAMLET To Lead Finnish National Opera And Ballet 2026–2027 Season
Season will also include THE HANDMAID’S TALE, MARIA STUARDA, and THE LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS.
The 2026–2027 season at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet recognises that in these uncertain times we need stories of humanity. The autumn opens with a fresh interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera classic Aida, exploring the human cost of war and resilience in the face of it. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet has resonated with audiences for more than 400 years, and now its cycle of revenge comes to life as a sombre ballet. The Grammy Award-winning contemporary opera The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs unravels the life of a visionary through music. Orfeo & Eurydice, a co-production by the Finnish National Opera and Tero Saarinen Company, premieres in January 2027. Senses continues the Finnish National Ballet’s tradition of memorable contemporary dance celebration events. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is brought to the stage as an equally thought-provoking opera in an awe-inspiring production that speaks to our world today. One of the world’s leading choreographers, John Neumeier, has granted the Finnish National Ballet the sought-after performance rights to his masterpiece The Lady of the Camellias. In May, two queens and their fates collide in Gaetano Donizetti’s classic period opera Maria Stuarda. In addition to the premieres, the Main Stage features a selection of returning opera and ballet favourites. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera continues its popular concert series at Musiikkitalo, while Almi Hall showcases new ventures, cross-disciplinary collaboration, the joy of young performers, and intriguing guest performances.
In the new opera production that opens the Finnish National Opera’s autumn on 28 August 2026, Aida’s story unfolds not in the distant world of the pharaohs but in the modern Middle East. At its heart is the desperate love between Aida and Radamès, crushed between loyalty, power and the roles imposed by society. Giuseppe Verdi’s music binds it all together with irresistible force, creating a soundscape that remains as gripping, immediate and deeply human as ever. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Dan Ettinger and Harri Karri. The title role is sung by Monica Zanettin and Liana Aleksanyan, with Giorgi Sturua and Milen Bozhkov as Radamés. ”The opera is a reflection on the young generation’s search and longing for normality in a world where peace remains an elusive dream”, director Noa Naamat says.
Steve Jobs, the brilliant yet unknown co-founder of the technology company Apple, had a vision that seemed limitless. Kevin Newbury’s beautiful production of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs explores the protagonist’s late-life search for inner truth. Composer Mason Bates’s Grammy Award-winning score blends expressive electronics and guitar with rich operatic orchestration. The libretto is by Mark Campbell. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Michael Christie. John Moore sings the title role, Sarah Zieba appears as Jobs’s wife Laurene Powell Jobs, and Mika Pohjonen sings Jobs’s business partner Steve Wozniak. Premiere at the Finnish National Opera on 18 September.
To be, or not to be? William Shakespeare’s (1564–1616) play, which portrays the human condition with remarkable precision, has inspired countless stage interpretations over the centuries. Now Hamlet’s timeless questions are explored through the language of ballet. Choreographer Leo Mujić has created a sombre, dramatic ballet that had its world premiere at the National Ballet of Slovenia in Zagreb in 2023. Mujić is renowned for adapting classic works of literature into ballets, as well as for his demanding classical movement language. The work is set to music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Camille Saint-Saëns. Anna-Maria Helsing conducts the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera. Premiere at the Finnish National Ballet on 2 October.
An all-new festive concert experience features Diandra, who makes her debut at the Finnish National Opera, and tenor Tuomas Katajala as soloists. Christmas at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet on 15–16 December sings and dances its way through all the emotions of the magical season. This show for all ages peeks into Santa’s grotto, swings to the sound of jazz, and stirs the heart under a starry winter sky. The music is performed by the Orchestra, Chorus and Children’s Chorus of the Finnish National Opera
Spring premieres feature three different operas, dance for all the senses, and a crown jewel of the ballet repertoire
Based on a heart rending story of love and loss from Greek mythology, Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orfeo & Euridice (1762) receives a bold new interpretation as a joint production between the Finnish National Opera and Tero Saarinen Company. In this version, singers and dancers tell the story of Orfeo, Euridice and Amor as equal narrators. The production, which premieres on 29 January 2027, is directed and choreographed by the acclaimed Tero Saarinen. Its dark visual world is created by Mikki Kunttu and Erika Turunen. The same creative team’s previous collaboration, Kullervo (2015), was both a critical and box-office success. The ten dancers of one of Finland’s leading contemporary dance ensembles, Tero Saarinen Company, will be joined on stage by the Chorus and soloists of the Finnish National Opera to interpret Saarinen’s choreography. Orfeo will be sung by contratenors Michał Sławecki and Kangmin Justin Kim. Eurydice is performed by sopranos Sonja Herranen and Anna Barletta, with sopranos Suvi Väyrynen and Saara Rauvala as Amor. The Chorus and Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera are conducted by Aapo Häkkinen.
Senses is the Finnish National Ballet’s third contemporary dance celebration event. It combines compelling contemporary dance on stage with relaxed pre- and after-parties in the foyer and surprises during the interval. Close, a new work by Haeni Kim commissioned by the Finnish National Ballet, explores the dual meaning of its title: closeness and closedness. Wings of Wax is one of Jiří Kylián’s most sought-after works internationally, and critics around the world have acclaimed its diversity and inventiveness. The Spanish choreographer Marcos Morau presents his new work, Étude, which premiered at Paris Opera Ballet in March 2026. Senses premieres on 26 February.
Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s (1939–) classic novel The Handmaid’s Tale, published in 1985, is a shocking portrayal of the cruelty of patriarchal totalitarianism, yet also a story of resistance and hope. The award-winning TV series adaptation (2017–) has made the handmaids’ red and white uniforms iconic. The opera, which premiered more than 25 years ago, feels astonishingly current today. Poul Ruders’ powerful and multifaceted composition draws inspiration from a broad spectrum of music, including spirituals. The libretto, which closely follows the original story, is by Paul Bentley. The production is directed by John Fulljames, and Karen Kamensek conducts the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera. The lead role of Offred is sung by mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp, and her husband Luke is performed by tenor Jere Hölttä. Johan Reuter returns after his success in The Morning Star to sing the role of The Commander. Premiere at the Finnish National Opera on 19 March.
John Neumeier created the world’s best-known interpretation of The Lady of the Camellias for Stuttgart Ballet in 1978, and it is still considered one of the landmark works of his career. The sophisticated dramaturgy, Frédéric Chopin’s expressive piano music, and Jürgen Rose’s atmospheric sets and opulent costumes bring Marguerite Gautier’s heart-wrenching story to life. The work has become a modern classic of the ballet repertoire, performed by only a select number of companies worldwide. Now Neumeier has granted this permission to the Finnish National Ballet, where this rare jewel premieres on 23 April. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Markus Lehtinen.
Gaetano Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda is a tragic opera based on Friedrich von Schiller’s play about the political and spiritual clash between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I of England. It is both an essential work of bel canto opera and a gorgeous period piece. The libretto is by Giuseppe Bardari, and the production is directed by David McVicar. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Paolo Arrivabeni. Elisabetta is sung by mezzo-sopranos Julia Rutigliano and Sarah Zieba, and the title role by soprano Diana Alexe. Maria Stuarda is a co-production of the Finnish National Opera, Teatro Real, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Donizetti Opera Festival – Bergamo and La Monnaie/De Munt in Brussels. Premiere at the Finnish National Opera on 13 May.
Returning productions include the season opener Swan Lake, the opera favourite Le nozze di Figaro, the electrifying Dracula, the powerful Peter Grimes, the festive The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and the moving La bohème
Swan Lake is the ballet to choose if you attend only once in your lifetime. David McAllister's choreography is faithful to long-standing traditions and beautifully complements Tchaikovsky's magnificent music. This critically acclaimed interpretation of the classic premiered during the centenary of the Finnish National Ballet in 2022, and all its performances have sold out. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Johannes Witt. Swan Lake opens the autumn season of the Finnish National Ballet on 21 August.
Le nozze di Figaro is a firm favourite that has already been performed nearly 300 times at the Finnish National Opera. W. A. Mozart (1756–1791) composed over 600 works during his brief life. This insightful opera about power relations was completed shortly before the French Revolution. Significant social issues simmer beneath its surface of frolic and fancy, from the rights of the nobility and servants to power dynamics and equality. Anna Kelo's fresh interpretation deals masterfully with all this. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by James Sherlock, with soloists including Vincenzo Nizzardo, Silja Aalto, Georg Festl, Iris Candelaria, Elli Vallinoja ja Koit Soasepp. Le nozze di Figaro returns to the Main Stage on 28 October.
Krzysztof Pastor's Dracula was immensely popular in its premiere season in 2024. The ballet is set to Wojciech Kilar's music, the soundtrack of Francis Ford Coppola's Oscar-winning film adaptation. Bram Stoker's story of Count Dracula has become one of popular culture's most enduring obsessions since its publication in 1897, inspiring countless stage and screen adaptations. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Patrick Fournillier. The bloodthirsty ballet returns to the Main Stage on 30 October with an exceptional Halloween ball.
Benjamin Britten's stark opera Peter Grimes is both a tribute to the sea and an intense psychological drama. The opera shows how a community of ordinary people, when thrown into turmoil, turns against an individual perceived as different. Peter Grimes is particularly well known for its powerful choral scenes, which allow the Chorus of the Finnish National Opera to shine at its mightiest. The work was first performed at the Finnish National Opera in 1998 and returns to the stage on 21 November. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk.
The much-loved family ballet The Nutcracker and the Mouse King returns to the festive season programme on 2 December. Tchaikovsky's music, enchanting sets, thrilling dance and sumptuous costumes offer a welcome escape from the rush of everyday life. The ballet's dramatic twists and turns will captivate even the youngest audience members, while the traditional choreography with its magnificent pas de deux brings joy to all who love classical ballet. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Aku Sorensen.
The winter in Paris is cold, and the moon shines above the rooftops. Art and love warm the hearts of the city's young bohemians, and Giacomo Puccini's music stirs the audience. The production of La bohème returning to the Finnish National Opera on 13 February 2027 is both realistic and powerful, inviting reflection on the constraints placed on women and their limited choices in nineteenth-century society. The revival is directed by Riikka Räsänen, based on Katariina Lahti's original production. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Nil Venditti.
New ventures: the first short operas from the Sugar Factory and a collaboration with the Finnish Baroque Orchestra, followed by the return of the orchestra concert series at Musiikkitalo
The Organ Night and Aria Festival concert at Tapiola Church on 6 August treats audiences to some of the most beloved opera arias by Giuseppe Verdi, W. A. Mozart and Gaetano Donizetti, among others. Masters and new voices – a Finnish National Opera gala features the acclaimed soloists tenor Mika Pohjonen and bass Koit Soasepp alongside the emerging talents of the Finnish National Opera's Young Singers' Programme. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by the rising young talent Mikael Loponen.
The Sugar Factory is a three-year programme financed by the Finnish Cultural Foundation. Its aim is to support the making of new opera in Finland. Composers, librettists and directors have combined their talents to create new, short works for Almi Hall at the Finnish National Opera. The Request, Mouthpiece, Emerge: Ooops…Life! and love is a rebellious bird explore the themes of trauma, class, technology and fantasy, and will be performed at Almi Hall on 13–15 August.
In the 2026–2027 season, the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera @ Musiikkitalo series continues with three concerts. The autumn concert on 20 August is part of Helsinki Festival. The Riot Symphony concert features Richard Strauss's Metamorphosen (1945), in which the composer, renowned for his opulent orchestral palette, pares his forces down to strings alone. Conor Mitchell's vast Riot Symphony (2024) brings together punk, rock, symphony and opera in a single exhilarating collision. The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera is conducted by Andrew Gourlay, with soprano Aurora Marthens and tenor Ric Furman as soloists. The series continues in spring 2027 with two further concerts. The concert series at Musiikkitalo is made possible with the generous support of Hannele and Henrik von Wendt.
Soulmaidens and La Calisto launch the three-year collaboration between the Finnish National Opera and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra FiBO, whose primary aim is to establish the conditions for a regular baroque opera programme in Finland. FiBO is known for its accomplished performances and creative programming.
Soulmaidens, which blends contemporary puppet theatre, electronic sound design and baroque imagery, is a new stage interpretation of baroque composer Claudio Monteverdi's music theatre. The work draws on Monteverdi's Il ballo delle ingrate and L'Arianna, which premiered in 1608. In both works, women are seen to transgress against patriarchy: Arianna loves too much, while the women of Il ballo delle ingrate love too little. Performances at Almi Hall on 8–10 October.
Francesco Cavalli's La Calisto was first performed in 1651. This new immersive interpretation is a co-production between the Finnish National Opera, the Finnish Baroque Orchestra, and 00100ENSEMBLE, a collective dedicated to immersive, site-specific performance. Nearly 50 artists, including musicians, soloists, dancers and actors, guide the audience and draw them deeper into the world of La Calisto. This multisensory, communal and spatial experience offers surprising new perspectives on both opera, baroque music and immersive performance. Further details will be announced later in the year
The Finnish National Ballet's Young Dancers' Evening, Flight, presents three compelling works on 25–27 February 2027. American choreographer Jodie Gates brings a new contemporary work, Delicate Balance, created in collaboration with Boston Ballet's youth company. Flock, by the Artistic Director of the Finnish National Ballet Javier Torres, was first seen only as a recording on the Stage24 platform in 2021 and can now at last be experienced live at Almi Hall. The classical ballet offering features excerpts from Paquita. Flight will also be performed at Lappeenranta City Theatre on 12–13 March.
The autumn term of the Ballet School culminates in its own production of The Nutcracker, bringing together every pupil from the youngest schoolchildren to students in vocational training. The Ballet School's teachers have created an entirely new version of this beloved classic, which premieres on 9 December. In spring, the season continues in the traditional manner with the vocational students' choreography workshop in February and the Ballet School's spring showcase in May.
Domestic opera and dance guests at Almi Hall, along with a celebration of young artists and students
Helsinki Festival returns to Almi Hall at the turn of August and September with two productions. On 29 August, Belgian company Zonzo Compagnie presents its new family show Thelonious, centred on jazz legend Thelonious Monk. Benjamin Vandewalle's vivid direction draws both musicians and audience into an exhilarating choreography that has also won the YAMaward for best youth performance. On 2–3 September comes BLKDOG, the Olivier Award -winning hip-hop dance work by rising contemporary dance artist Botis Seva. The powerful choreography is complemented by Torben Sylvest's music, which carries the audience deeper into the characters' inner worlds. Tom Visser's lighting wraps the stage in misty illusions, while Ryan Laight's costume design draws inspiration from the borderland between childhood and adulthood.
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet offers Finnish independent opera and dance companies the opportunity to collaborate on productions at Almi Hall.
Karelia Ooppera brings The Maiden of Imatra to Almi Hall on 24–26 September. Based on a legend that has inspired Finnish artists for centuries, this opera had its world premiere in Imatra in October 2025. The score is by Uljas Pulkkis and the libretto by playwright Mikael Karkkonen. The production is directed by Juulia Tapola, with musical direction by Elisar Riddelin. The project has received support from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Madetoja Foundation, the City of Imatra, the Foundation for the Promotion of Karelian Culture, Arts Promotion Centre Finland and the South Karelia Regional Fund.
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