Why does God command to kill?
The themes in the opera Autuus (Bliss) include religious violence, the relationship between the individual and the community, marginalisation and the frailty of the mind. The background for the work is a true story from Kangaslampi, Finland in the spring of 1881, but the events in the work progress on several time lines, and the work is also musically and visually multi-layered. The whole sounding experience consists of video material combined with soloists, a choir and an instrumental ensemble on stage.
Autuus was premiered at the Helsinki Festival 2015 and won the Teosto prize in 2016. The jury commented as follows: ”Requires utmost dedication from its audience, but offers a cathartic release in exchange. The masterly composition is complemented with libretto elements that bring out the colours and hues beneath the dark surface.”
Suggested age guidance 12+.