Boris Godunov

Modest Musorgski

An autocrat in Russia, using every means at his disposal. Politics, manipulation – and fear, loneliness. Boris Godunov is one of the most powerful classics in the history of opera, and is particularly impressive at Olavinlinna. It features the deep sound of low male voices, and its grand choral scenes are masterful.   

The thirst for power does not grow old.

German director Nicola Raab’s interpretation reveals the landscape of the Tsar’s soul with shocking precision. In his golden cage, Tsar Boris both rules the empire and controls the false narrative that he feeds to his people. The story is based on real events in Russian history and at once feels topical.  

Together with The Magic Flute, it was Boris Godunov that put the Savonlinna Opera Festival on the world map in the 1970s. Following in the footsteps of the great basses Martti Talvela and Matti Salminen, a new generation and a new voice are now to the fore. ‘Everyone wants Mika Kares now’, Helsingin Sanomat wrote of his international success. The bass’s deep voice underlines the ruler’s power and the profound impact of the choices he makes. Other roles are played by some of Finland’s finest singers, including Tuomas Katajala and Timo Riihonen.  

Grab the early bird discount and get your tickets at 10 % off. Early bird discount is valid until 30 September 2024. The discount is directly in the ticket price, there is no discount code.

Team

  • Conductor

    Dima Slobodeniouk

  • Director

    Nicola Raab

  • Set designer

    George Souglides

  • Costume designer

    Julia Müer

  • Lighting designer

    Linus Fellbom

  • Chorus master

    Jan Schweiger

  • Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir
    Savonlinna Opera Festival Orchestra

  • Language

    Russian

  • Surtitles

    Finnish and English

  • Duration

    approx. 2 hrs 45 min, incl. one interval

Cast

Mika Kares
Boris
Timo Riihonen
Pimen
Olga Heikkilä
Ksenia
Arttu Kataja
Tschelkalov
Tuomas Katajala
Grigori
Matti Turunen
Varlaam
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