Franz Lehár
The Merry Widow
A game of wicked and whimsical liaisons
As the curtain rises, it feels as if you’re stepping into a grand, splendid celebration. Franz Lehár’s (1870–1948) effervescent operetta The Merry Widow offers a taste of genuine old world glamour, aristocratic reverie, catchy melodies, and can-can.
This operetta, a playful take on the relationship entanglements of a wealthy young widow, has been presented at the Finnish National Opera a record-breaking 313 times. In spring 2025, it will be performed in Finnish, with soprano Mari Palo shining in the title role.
”If I was a Parisian,
I’d almost be amused,
But as a Pontevedrian,
I’m thoroughly confused.Is it my grace? Is it my face?
– the merry widow
Or my looks I should thank?
Or maybe it’s the fact
I have millions in the bank.”
synopsis
The people of the fictional principality of Pontevedro want to keep the fortune of Hanna Glavari, a rich young widow, within the country’s borders. Baron Mirko Zeta comes up with an ingenious strategy: the First Secretary of the embassy, Danilo, must marry her. Danilo is found at Maxim’s cabaret, but he refuses to propose to Anna, though he used to be in love with her. He does, however, promise to fob off her Parisian suitors.
The relationship between Camille and Baron Zeta’s wife, Valencienne, faces no obstacles, though. When Baron Zeta is about to discover them alone at a pavilion, Hanna saves the day by taking the place of the Baroness, which makes Danilo jealous. Hanna reveals she will lose her fortune if she remarries, and Danilo finally dares to propose to her – but Hanna still has another surprise in store.
Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.
gallery
creative team
- Music
- Franz Lehár
- Conductor
- Kurt Kopecky
- Libretto based on the comedy by Henri Meilhac
- Victor Léon, Leo Stein
- Translation
- Jussi Tapola
- Director
- Jussi Tapola
- Sets and costumes
- Anna Kontek
- Lighting design
- Olli-Pekka Koivunen
- Choreography
- Juhani W. Rytkölä
cast
- Sylviane
- Lotta Pylkäs
listen to the merry widow
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tickets and performances
Gift packages are available to this performance. A gift package includes ticket(s) to the best seats in the stalls as well as interval refreshments from a buffet: coffee/tea and Opera cake(s). Choose your seats from the stalls in price category B or C and select ticket type ‘GIFT PACKAGE’. The offer is valid until 23 December. The offer does not apply to premieres. Package availability is limited.
the keys to an entertaining evening
Order refreshments
Enjoy refreshments
before the show
or in the interval.
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and place an order
in advance.
Programme booklets
Programme booklets
are sold by our
customer services,
the Opera Restaurant,
and our lobby
personnel for 7 euros.
Arriving at the Opera House
The Opera House
is located by the
Töölönlahti bay at
Helsinginkatu 58.
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Accessible seats
You can purchase accessible tickets online or via our customer services. Learn more about
accessibility at
the Opera House.