The lineup of singers for the summer continues to expand.In Turandot, in addition to tenor Amadi Lagha, the role of Calaf will be performed by Italian Francesco Pio Galasso, making his Olavinlinna debut. Galasso has captured the hearts of opera lovers worldwide with his powerful and nuanced voice. He specializes in Italian bel canto repertoire and Puccini’s major tenor roles. Galasso has performed on prominent opera stages across Europe – and next summer, he will grace the stage of Olavinlinna. Amadi Lagha will perform as Calaf on July 5, 10, 18, 23, and 25, 2025, while Galasso will appear on July 8, 16, and 21, 2025.
Two bass singers will take on the role of Timur. In addition to Petri Lindroos, the role will be performed by Matti Turunen, who impressed audiences last summer as the Commendatore in Don Giovanni. Lindroos will perform on July 8, 10, 18, and 23, while Turunen will take the stage on July 5, 16, 21, and 25.
The performance dates for the sopranos singing the role of Liù, Tuuli Takala and Sonja Herranen, have also been confirmed. Takala will perform at Olavinlinna on July 5, 16, 21, and 23, 2025, while Herranen will appear on July 8, 10, 18, and 25, 2025.
Several talented young singers who have excelled in the Opera Festival Choir will also join next summer’s operas. In Turandot, Veikko Vallinoja will perform as Altoum, and Riku Pelo will take on the role of the Mandarin.
Smaller roles in Macbeth will also feature choir members Marcel Slakonja and Marko Korpela.
In Boris Godunov, the role of Boris’s son, Fyodor, will be performed by mezzo-soprano Irina Nuutinen, remembered for her role in Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet.
Other choir members in Boris Godunov include Tuula Paavola (Ksenia’s nurse) and Otso Sipilä (Simpleton). Tuomas Miettola (Missail), Nicholas Söderlund (Nikitich), and Henri Uusitalo (Mitukha) are fresh additions to the Finnish soloist ensemble in Boris Godunov.
We will share information about the remaining soloists later.
