In summer 2026, the Savonlinna Opera Festival once again invites audiences to an unforgettable opera season set against the magical backdrop of Finnish summer nights and the unique medieval atmosphere of Olavinlinna Castle. Taking place from 3 July to 1 August 2026, the festival presents a rich selection of beloved opera classics.
“When the summer evening light shimmers on Lake Saimaa and the stone walls of Olavinlinna echo centuries of history over the water, a moment arises that continues to captivate both opera lovers and curious travelers year after year.
In summer 2026, that moment will resonate with music and melodies that have echoed through narrow alleyways in whispered song and over grand piazzas as empowering collective cries for generations,” describes the Opera Festival’s Artistic Director Ville Matvejeff.
Italy comes to Savonlinna
The Olavinlinna stage will be filled with five masterworks of Italian opera. Long requested by audiences, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro returns to the festival in a sparkling and fast-paced new production by Johannes Erath. Two other favourites also make a highly anticipated comeback: Giacomo Puccini’s heart-rending Madama Butterfly, and Giuseppe Verdi’s monumental Nabucco, whose iconic Va pensiero captivated over 17,000 festivalgoers in 2024.
This summer’s guest company, the Gothenburg Opera, is bringing a new production of Verdi’s La Traviata, directed by Silvia Paoli. The festival will culminate in concert performances of Vincenzo Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece Norma, featuring the highly anticipated debut of star soprano Lisette Oropesa in the title role. Oropesa returns to Savonlinna after her acclaimed debut in Romeo and Juliet (2023), joined by tenor John Osborn and conductor Riccardo Frizza.
New aisles and improved comfort
Significant improvements are being made to the audience experience at Olavinlinna in summer 2026. To ease congestion, a new central aisle and a cross aisle at row 14 will be added to section A. These changes will create more of the highly sought-after aisle seats and offer faster access to the intermission areas. In addition, seats in row 15 will have increased legroom for greater comfort. View the new seating map here.
According to Sales Director Juha Pekka Voutilainen, the new seating map brings more clarity and options for ticket buyers.
“It’s important to us that an opera evening at Olavinlinna is not only artistically memorable but also as pleasant and seamless as possible. The new seating layout will make it easier to move around the audience area and adds convenience especially for those who appreciate the accessibility of aisle seats.”
Ticket pricing will also be updated alongside the seating improvements.
Savonlinna Opera Festival 2026
3 July – 1 August 2026
Ticket sales open: 1 July 2025
Early Bird -10%
Save 10% on categories 1–4 and boxes until 30 September 2025.
Members’ Presale Ongoing:
All members receive 15% off tickets during the first week of sales (24–30 June, until 23:59).
After that, Silver members receive a 10% discount until 31 January 2026, while Gold and Platinum members enjoy a 10% benefit for the entire season.
Performance Schedule
The Marriage of Figaro | Tickets from €69.60
3 July (Premiere), 6 July, 9 July, 13 July, 16 July, 20 July, 22 July, 25 July at 19:00
Madama Butterfly | Tickets from €69.60
4 July (Premiere), 7 July, 10 July, 15 July, 18 July, 23 July at 19:00
Nabucco | Tickets from €69.60
8 July (Premiere), 11 July, 14 July, 17 July, 21 July & 24 July at 19:00
La Traviata | Tickets from €69.60
27 July (Premiere), 28 July, 30 July & 31 July at 19:00
Norma featuring Lisette Oropesa | Tickets from €54.60
29 July (Premiere), 1 August at 19:00
Press & interview inquiries:
Myy Honkanen
Communications Contact for the Savonlinna Opera Festival
Tel. +358 40 574 3577
myy.honkanen@gmail.com
Konstanze Kaas
International Press Relations
Tel. +49 173 63 54 204
konstanze.kaas@operafestival.fi
