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An endless celebration of emotions

Season 2025–2026 at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet


In the very best parties, everyone who matters is there, and there’s no shortage of drama. You have the time of your life, but you also cry your heart out. So much happens in one night that there’ll be stories to tell for years. The 2025–2026 season at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet is all this and more. We move from one extreme to another, from dark tones into the light and back again. When we rejoice, our happiness knows no bounds—when we grieve, the world shakes at its core. You’re invited to a celebration you won’t want to miss.

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premieres
CircOpera 2.0
returning works
concert series
important dates

DISCOVER THE 2025/2026 SEASON PREMIERES

Giselle

THE CROWN JEWEL OF ROMANTIC BALLET

Ballet premiere 3 Oct 2025

Love, deception, death, and redemption. The immaculate beauty of ballet, the mesmerising dance of mystical spirits, and countless layers of tulle. This is Giselle, the crown jewel of Romantic ballet.

First performed in 1841, this timeless ballet continues to move audiences around the world. Giselle is sure to enchant both seasoned lovers of classical ballet and those experiencing it for the first time.

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Kuolema Venetsiassa; Atte Kilpinen, Christopher Evans / Hampurin baletti

Hansel and Gretel

AN OPERA FAIRYTALE FRESH FROM THE OVEN

Opera premiere 24 Oct 2025

The thrilling adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival, in which only the children’s cunning can save them.

This family opera is packed with suspense, entertainment, and chills. Beneath the fairy-tale magic lie darker themes of hunger, gluttony, and parents struggling with a loss of control.

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Morgonstjärnan – The Morning Star

STRANGE OMENS ARE ON THE RISE

Opera premiere 30 Jan 2026

What happens to the human mind when the world changes in ways beyond our comprehension or control?

In The Morning Star, the story by legendary Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgård meets the music of Sebastian Fagerlund, one of the most acclaimed composers of his generation. Gunilla Hemming has written a compelling libretto based on Knausgård’s novel.

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Eläinten vallankumous; kuva: Ruth Walz/Hollannin kansallisooppera

Festen

NOTHING WILL EVER BE THE SAME AGAIN

Opera premiere 27 Mar 2026

Festen is a tragedy laced with black humour, a shattering experience. Its themes of violence, the sexual abuse of children, and racism are dark and unsettlling, leaving you speechless.

Celebrated contemporary composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and librettist Lee Hall have collaborated with director Richard Jones to transform Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar-winning 1998 cult film into a powerful opera, which premiered to critical acclaim at the Royal Opera House in London in February 2025.

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Eläinten vallankumous; kuva: Ruth Walz/Hollannin kansallisooppera

Pulse

FEEL THE PULSE OF STREET DANCE

Ballet premiere 24 Apr 2026

Dance always has its own rhythm, and on this evening, the pulse of street dance takes over the Finnish National Ballet.

Pulse brings three new works to the Finnish National Ballet, each with a distinct movement language and approach to dance, challenging the dancers while showcasing their brilliance and versatility.

Julian Nicosia’s background lies in contemporary dance, while Bintou Dembélé and Larkin Poynton draw from street dance traditions. More than a mere stage performance, Pulse is also an event before and after the show, and during the interval.

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Half Life (kuva Hans Nilsson / Kungliga Operan)

Luonnotar and Iolanta

IT’S TIME TO BE REBORN

Opera premiere 15 May 2026

For the first time, two captivating works are performed together in a single evening. Sibelius composed his symphonic poem Luonnotar at the request of Aino Ackté, and the piece was dedicated to her. This performance celebrates the 150th anniversary of her birth.

Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s final opera Iolanta explores diverse themes, from Finnish independence to self-discovery, sexual awakening, and equality.

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An opera premiere at Almi Hall

Duke Bluebeard’s Castle

TOGETHER UNTIL THE END

Opera premiere 20 Feb 2026

Béla Bartók’s opera has a reputation for being dark and bloody. This time, however, the castle is not a gloomy and oppressive prison but a cherished home where Judith and Bluebeard have shared their happiest moments.

Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a deeply affectionate portrayal of an elderly couple’s marriage overshadowed by dementia.

This intimate performance at Almi Hall brings world-class soloists exceptionally close to the audience.

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CircOpera 2.0 returns in autumn 2025

The most spectacular show of the year

CircOpera 2.0 22.8.–30.9.2025

Following sold-out performances in 2022, CircOpera 2.0 makes its highly anticipated return to the Finnish National Opera in autumn 2025. Hold onto your seats, as this exhilarating fusion of contemporary circus and opera will take you on a thrilling ride.

This spectacle of opera classics and more impressive circus acts has earned nothing but rave reviews from both critics and audiences. Secure your seat now – these tickets are selling fast!

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returning works

Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera @ Musiikkitalo

Hannu Lintu, Conductor Photo: Marco Borggreve

The concert series at Musiikkitalo will continue

The Orchestra of the FNO has enchanted audiences for more than 60 years. Since 2024, its concerts have also delighted listeners at Musiikkitalo.

The 2025–2026 season will feature a series of four concerts, with gems of orchestral music and vocal performances by leading names from around the world. The programme reflects the full variety of life and human emotions.

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important dates

Secure your seat for the premieres

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Explore the repertoire

Explore our entire repertoire and buy tickets online.