Schedule
Dominick Argento’s ‘Postcard from Morocco’
Seven characters, all waiting. Will they journey forward, circle back, or simply stay where they are?
One space, which becomes many different places through the power of memory, fantasy, play and obsession.
With a text inspired by the children’s poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson (writer of Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde), and scored for chamber orchestra, Argento’s opera includes enjoyable references to operetta, cabaret… and Wagner! Moments of poignant connection are interspersed with surreal solo revelations and unbridled group outbursts.
Welcome to the Finnish premiere of this intriguing work!
Victoria Newlyn, ohjaaja
Marianna Metsälampi, ohjaajan assistentti
Markus Lehtinen, kapellimestari
Adomas Morkunas, opiskelijakapellimestari
Pia Lasonen, pukusuunnittelu
Tuija Luukkainen, maskeeraussuunnittelu
Sirje Ruohtula, valosuunnittelu
Mikko Elonen, lavastussuunnittelu
Joonas Mikkilä, tuottaja
Lavalla
Mr. Owen: Eetu Joukainen
A Lady with a Cake Box: Emma Hartikainen / Leila Saari
Lady with a Hat Box / Foreign singer: Haven Honermann
Lady with a Hand Mirror: Maija Rautasuo
Man with Old Luggage: Lauren’s Viliušis
Shoe salesman: Sakari Topi
Man with a Cornet Case: Martin Iivarinen
Otto Nicolai’s ‘Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor’
Ready to laugh? The Merry Wives of Windsor brings Shakespeare’s legendary comedy to the stage in a fast-paced operatic experience of humour, intrigue and misunderstanding. Composed by Otto Nicolai, the work is full of verve and energy – the perfect package for anyone who wants to experience opera in a new and entertaining form. It takes its audience on a journey where nothing really goes according to plan.
Did you know that The Merry Wives of Windsor was Nicolai’s last great masterpiece? It was performed just a few months before his death in 1849 and has since become one of the most beloved German comic operas. The opera’s catchy overture has become a classic and can be heard in symphony orchestras around the world. So come and see how the opera can combine Shakespearean wit with Nicolai’s musical merriment for an unforgettable evening of laughter, joy and emotion!
W.A. Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’
With its mix of the libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte and the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro is known as one of the finest musical combinations in opera history. This opera classic, which tells of the day before Figaro’s wedding, is full of energy, pace, and tremendous twists and turns.
As guest director for this production, the Sibelius Academy’s opera welcomes the Israeli-born Noa Naamat, whose international career is progressing in leaps and bounds.
Come and experience this classic work of comic opera!
Marianna Metsälampi, assistant director
Arturo Alvarado, conductor
Costas Vallios, student conductor
Pia Lasonen, costume design
Tuija Luukkainen, make-up design
Essi Santala, stage lighting design
Mikko Elonen, set design, stage manager
Tuomas Tenkanen, video design
Kristian Attila, main répétiteur
Tuomas Salokangas and Saki Kono, répétiteur students
Markus Lehtinen, professor
Joonas Mikkilä, producer
On stage
Antonio: Joona Juntunen
Barbarina: Maja Burggraaf
Bartolo: Martin Iivarinen
Basilio, Don Curzio: Matias Haakana
Cherubino: Haven Honermann (6.4, 9.4, 12.4) / Ruusu-Maaria Brousseau (8.4, 11.4, 13.4) (voice cover Ruut Eleonoora Karhula)
Conte: Domas Saulevičius (6.4, 9.4, 12.4) / Regimantas Gabšys (8.4, 11.4, 13.4)
Contessa: Leila Saari (6.4, 9.4, 12.4) / Emma Hartikainen (8.4, 11.4, 13.4)
Figaro: Nataniels Simha Rasnacs (6.4, 9.4, 12.4) / Sakari Topi (8.4, 11.4, 13.4)
Marcellina: Hannele Ahola (voice cover Tanja Niemelä)
Susanna: Sadelilja Larimo (6.4, 9.4, 12.4) / Maija Rautasuo (8.4, 11.4, 13.4) (voice cover Anna Ginström)
Ilkan Iltamat
At the end of November 2023, the students of the International Master’s Degree Programme in Opera will perform a versatile medley of one of the most productive Finnish Opera composers.
The performance includes Ilkka’s operas “Miehen kylkiluu”, “Aino Ackté”, “Taipaleenjoki” and “Gabriel, tule takaisin”. Joy and sadness, fast pace and calm moments, presented solo and in a larger group.
Welcome to the concert!
Artistic working group
Juulia Tapola, director
Jukka Kolimaa, lighting design
Pia Lasonen, costume design
Tuija Luukkainen, mask design
Tero Valtonen, répétiteur in charge
Joonas Mikkilä, producer
Performers
Haven Honermann
Emmi Kauppinen
Maija Rautasuo
Emma Hartikainen
Martin Iivarinen
Leila Saari
Topi Sakari
Ilkka Kuusisto
Rhapsody in Hope
Alongside my collaborator Dr. Shannon McGinnis, we will present a program that takes the audience into a musician's emotional journey through pre, during, and post-pandemic life.
The program features works of G.F. Handel, Henry Purcell, Hugo Wolf, Robert and Clara Schumann, Lori Laitman, Jake Heggie, Bernard Herrmann, Franz Schubert, Edvard Greig, Reynaldo Hahn, and Christoph Gluck! I hope to see you there!