Season 2026–2027 at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet

Aida

WHEN LOVE DEFIES WAR

Opera premiere 28.8.2026
Performances 2.9.–1.10.2026

In this new production, Aida unfolds not in the distant world of the pharaohs, but against the backdrop of the modern Middle East — a landscape shaped by political tension, shifting alliances, and the human cost of conflict. At the heart of the opera lies the impossible love between Aida and Radamès, crushed between loyalty, power, and identity.

The timeless story, with its emotional stakes, the clash between private longing and public duty, and the tragedy of two people caught in forces larger than themselves, still resonates as strongly as it did at the opera’s premiere in 1871. Verdi’s music binds it all together with irresistible force. From intimate confessions to monumental choral scenes, his score draws the audience into every heartbeat of the drama — a soundscape that is as gripping, immediate, and deeply human today as ever.

Hamlet

TO BE… OR NOT?

Ballet premiere 2.10.2026
Performances 6.10.2026–5.2.2027

Prince Hamlet’s father has been murdered, and his killer now sits on the throne as the new king. Hamlet’s revenge for his father’s death comes at a high cost. What happens to a young man when vengeance becomes an obsession?

The famous story of Hamlet was written by one of the greatest writers of all time, William Shakespeare (1564–1616). This play, which portrays the human condition with remarkable precision, has inspired countless stage interpretations over the centuries. Now Hamlet’s timeless questions are explored through the language of ballet.

Senses

SEE IT. HEAR IT. FEEL IT.

Ballet premiere 26.2.2027
Performances 2.–20.3.2027

Senses offers audiences a new perspective on dance. In this evening of three choreographies, movement awakens the senses.

Following in the footsteps of T(r)anssi and Pulse, the evening combines compelling contemporary dance on stage with relaxed pre- and after-parties, as well as unexpected delights during the interval.

The Lady of the Camellias

A JEWEL OF CLASSICAL BALLET, NOW IN FINLAND

Ballet premiere 23.4.2027
Performances 27.4.–26.5.2027

The young Armand enjoys the pleasures of 19th-century Parisian high society. His carefree life takes a fateful turn when he falls head over heels in love with Marguerite, the city’s most beautiful courtesan.

The work has become a modern classic of the ballet repertoire, performed by only a select number of companies worldwide. Now Neumeier has granted this permission to the Finnish National Ballet, as a rare jewel to crown its repertoire.

Christmas at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet

FOR GOODNESS SAKE, WHAT A PARTY

Performances 16.–17.12.2026

Christmas at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet brings together beloved carols from around the world, capturing the magical mood of the season.

This family-oriented show peeks into Santa’s grotto, swings to the sound of jazz, sparkles beneath a disco ball and stirs the heart under a starry winter sky. The evening unfolds from dance and roller-skating numbers to dazzling surprises.

The concert series at Musiikkitalo

The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera @ Musiikkitalo concert series brings the musicians of the opera orchestra from the pit to the stage.

In the 2026–2027 season, three concerts combine orchestral gems with vocal performances by leading singers from around the world.

Soulmaidens and La Calisto launch a three-year collaboration between the Finnish Baroque Orchestra FiBO and the Finnish National Opera.

Soulmaidens, which combines contemporary puppet theatre, electronic sound design and baroque imagery, is a new stage interpretation of baroque composer Claudio Monteverdi’s music theatre. Sieluttaret will be presented at Almi Hall in autumn 2026.

Francesco Cavalli’s La Calisto is a multisensory, communal and spatial experience that will offer surprising and new perspectives on both opera and immersive performance. Further details will be announced later in the year.