In summer 2027, the Savonlinna Opera Festival celebrates its 115th anniversary. The new production of the season, Andrea Chénier by Umberto Giordano, features soprano Camilla Nylund in the lead role. The beloved The Barber of Seville and the legendary The Magic Flute also return to the castle stage. The Estonian National Opera brings a fiery Carmen to Olavinlinna Castle. There is every reason to celebrate: exactly 40 years ago, the Estonia Theatre became the Festival’s first ever international guest.
“In 2027, the Savonlinna Opera Festival has reason for a triple celebration! Aino Ackté founded the festival 115 years ago, and after a long hiatus it was revived 60 years ago, in 1967. The first visiting international opera house was Tallinn’s Estonia Theatre in 1987, and now it returns to celebrate 40 years of guest performances. These decades are filled with colorful phases and a wealth of memories that do not fade over time,” says General and Artistic Director Ville Matvejeff.
anniversary year’s Highlight: Andrea Chénier
The season’s new production is a genuine rarity: Umberto Giordano’s Andrea Chénier, which had its world premiere at Milan’s La Scala in 1896 and whose sweeping, deeply moving arias have never before been heard at Olavinlinna Castle. Set in the Paris of spies and revolution, this tale of passionate love against the backdrop of terror arrives at Savonlinna 130 years after its creation.
The role of Maddalena di Coigny will be sung by soprano Camilla Nylund, making her long-awaited role debut at the festival in a leading role after a 30-year absence. Baritone Tommi Hakala takes the role of Carlo Gérard and the title role of Andrea Chénier is performed by tenor Angelo Villari. The production team includes director Rodula Gaitanou and set and costume designer takis, known from the Opera Festival’s successful production of Nabucco.
Beloved classics and the Return of a Celebrated Guest
By popular demand, Gioachino Rossini’s irresistibly funny The Barber of Seville returns to Olavinlinna. Kari Heiskanen’s direction and Teemu Muurimäki’s expressive costumes make it a sparkling jewel of opera buffa. Described by the press as “modern summer nonsense” (Helsingin Sanomat 2019), the production had audiences and critics wondering in 2019 and 2023 whether Olavinlinna Castle had ever witnessed quite so much laughter.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns in its original staging, transporting adults and children alike into a world of wonder and mysterious creatures. August Everding’s epic production once again guides a new generation into the world of opera.
The Estonian National Opera joins the anniversary season with Georges Bizet’s Carmen. There is every reason to celebrate: exactly 40 years ago, in 1987, the Estonia Theatre from Tallinn became the very first international guest company ever to perform at the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Fierce and untamed, Carmen is one of the world’s most beloved operas. Direction, set and costume design are by Pierre-Emmanuel Rousseau.
Timo Mustakallio Singing Competition
The 34th Timo Mustakallio Singing Competition, held at Savonlinna Hall on July 18th, 2027, will once again bring a new generation of singers into the spotlight. The competition has for decades served as a launching pad for talented young Finnish singers, many of whom have established careers on national and international opera stages. In 2025, the winners were mezzo-soprano Elsa Angervo and bass Martin Iivarinen.
Programme 3. – 31. July 2027
The Barber of Seville | Tickets from €69.90
3 July (premiere), 7, 12, 16, 21 & 24 July, 19:00
The Magic Flute | Tickets from €69.90
6 July (premiere), 8, 10, 14, 20 & 23 July, 19:00
Andrea Chénier | Tickets from €69.90
9 July (premiere), 13, 15, 17, 19 & 22 July, 19:00
Carmen (Estonian National Opera) | Tickets from €69.90
26 July (premiere), 28, 29 & 31 July, 19:00
Timo Mustakallio Singing Competition | Tickets from €34.90
18 July, Savonlinnahall — first round 11:00, final 19:00
Tickets and early bird Discounts
General ticket sales open on June, 23rd 2026 at 10:00. An advance discount of -10 % on price categories 1–4 and the box is available until September 30th, 2026. Members of the Savonlinna Opera Festival Patron’s Association have priority access from June, 9th with discounts of up to -20 %. Read more and become a member here.
About the Savonlinna Opera Festival
Founded in 1912 by Finnish soprano Aino Ackté, the Savonlinna Opera Festival is Finland’s premier cultural event and one of the world’s most distinctive opera festivals. Performances take place in Olavinlinna, a medieval island fortress built in 1475 — the world’s northernmost medieval castle still standing. The festival runs for four weeks each July, welcoming around 70,000 visitors annually, approximately a quarter of them from abroad.
Press Contact
Jannika Vahvaselkä
Content and Communications Lead
jannika.vahvaselka@operafestival.fi
Tel. +358 50 430 4186