We want to ensure that Finnish opera and ballet will continue to flourish in the future, too. Thus we award grants and scholarships from a variety of funds every year, to artists and other professionals of Opera and Ballet. Read the stories of our scholars!
Get inspired
Petteri Iivonen is the 1st Leader of the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. What is his job like? Read Petteri's interview!
"I never consciously decided to become a dancer. I started dance classes almost by chance." Read FNOB's soloist dancer Antti Keinänen's interview!
Director Christof Loy's thoughts about the opera.
"My job title is a massage therapist, but I would rather describe myself as an institutionalised caretaker", says Massage therapist Pasi Lind. Read more!
"I work for the digital media projects of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. I’m in charge of producing the live streaming, TV and radio broadcasts of the performances, so that anyone can enjoy opera and ballet in their own living room", tells Digital Media and Event Producer Mikko Hannuksela. Read Mikko's interview!
Finally! Verdi’s cherished opera classic, Il trovatore, is back in the repertoire of the Finnish National Opera. It’s been a long wait, as Il trovatore hasn’t been seen on the National Opera stage since 2003. Thanks to its thrilling rhythms and catchy melodies, Il trovatore is one of the world’s most popular operas. It’s an ideal choice for the first-time opera visitor, as its medley of fabulous arias will showcase the best of the genre in one spectacular session.
As a director, Yoshi Oïda is known for his fusion of Asian heritage and modern European theatre.
Do you know how many instruments a percussionist plays in the Orchestra of the FNO? While most musicians are dedicated to one, a percussionist’s repertoire might involve a whopping twenty different instruments, depending on the composition.