The Savonlinna Opera Festival’s production of Aida will be performed at the Rouen Opera House in France as a rental production during September and October. The premiere is on September 27, 2024. The lead role will be sung by Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury, who performed as Violetta in La Traviata at Olavinlinna Castle in the summer of 2015.
Aida, directed by Philipp Himmelmann, was first seen at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in the summer of 2022. The set design was created by David Hohmann, and the costumes by Lili Wanner.
“We have produced many high-quality performances that can be adapted with small changes to suit the needs of opera houses. Expanding international cooperation is part of our strategy, so we are very pleased with Aida’s journey to France,” says Ville Matvejeff, Artistic Director of the Savonlinna Opera Festival.
The Savonlinna Opera Festival’s productions have been rented out before. In 2001, Tannhäuser was performed at Tulsa Opera in Oklahoma, Madama Butterfly was performed at Hawaii Opera Theatre in Honolulu in 2011, and Don Giovanni was performed at Malmö Opera in 2023.
Renting a production means that all the necessary sets, costumes, and other equipment are sent to another opera house. In Rouen, France, the assistant director on site will be Savonlinna Opera Festival’s producer-stage director Mirva Koivukangas.
“We started rehearsals here in Rouen in mid-August, and the collaboration has gone smoothly. We are looking forward to nearly sold-out performances!” Koivukangas shares.
Verdi’s Aida at Rouen Opera: September 27, 29, October 3 & 5. Read more on Rouen Opera’s website here.
