The Last Temptations
Joonas Kokkonen
The opera The Last Temptations (1975) by Joonas Kokkonen (1921–96) is one of the most successful and popular Finnish operas of all time. 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of its premiere. What better time to celebrate this landmark work than during the anniversary year of Olavinlinna Castle?
The opera tells the story of the life and final days of the lay preacher Paavo Ruotsalainen and his wife Riita in the 19th century. In the opera, Paavo Ruotsalainen lies on his deathbed and relives the most decisive moments of his life in a state of delirium. The composer included the familiar folk chorale Sinuhun turvaan, Jumala (In thee I trust, my God) in the opera, where it plays an important role.
A landmark in Finnish opera
The role of Paavo was originally composed for Martti Talvela. In the new anniversary production it is sung by bass Mika Kares, one of the most successful opera singers in the world today. This will be the second major role for Kares in the summer of 2025, alongside Boris Godunov.
‘Paavo Ruotsalainen’s thoughts on his deathbed, his account of a life lived and the somewhat dreamlike atmosphere of the work captivate us and feed our imagination. My direction pays tribute to the spirit of the centenary year, but is at the same time rhythmic and even playful’, says director Mikko Kouki.
The Last Temptations is a co-production between the Savonlinna Opera Festival and Tampere Opera.
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