It’s time to be reborn

For the first time, two captivating works are performed together in a single evening: Luonnotar by Jean Sibelius and Iolanta by Pyotr Tchaikovsky feature two female protagonists, two creation myths, and two journeys of self-discovery.

Sibelius composed his symphonic poem Luonnotar in 1913 at the request of Aino Ackté, a pioneering opera singer and a leading figure in Finnish opera. Based on a poem from the Finnish national epic, Kalevala, the piece was dedicated to Ackté. This performance marks the 150th anniversary of her birth. Luonnotar, which depicts the birth of the world, is performed by soprano Silja Aalto and the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera.

Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta was first and last performed at the Finnish National Opera in 1919. His final opera tells the story of Princess Iolanta, whose blindness is such a closely kept secret that even she herself does not know it. When Count Vaudémont falls in love with the princess, he reveals the truth to her. A doctor tells her that she can regain her sight, but the choice is hers: to continue life as she knows it or embrace an utterly unknown future.

The opera explores diverse themes, from independence to self-discovery, sexual awakening, and equality.

150 years since the birth of Aino Ackté

Synopsis

Luonnotar

Luonnotar is based on Elias Lönnrot’s Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. Jean Sibelius adapted the lyrics himself from its original verses. The piece tells the creation story of the world: a mythical bird lays an egg on Luonnotar’s knee, from which the moon, sky, and stars are born.

Iolanta

Princess Iolanta has been blind since birth, but her father, King René, has forbidden anyone from telling her. She lives in a beautiful, walled garden on the king’s estate, shielded from the outside world and cared for by Bertrand and Martha. Iolanta is betrothed to Duke Robert, who, like everyone else, is prohibited from revealing her blindness.

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The physician Ebn-Jahia informs the king that Iolanta’s sight could be restored, but only if she first becomes aware of her blindness. Fearing for her happiness, the king refuses the treatment, afraid that if it fails, she will realise what she is missing.

Robert arrives at court with his friend, Count Vaudémont. He confesses that he wants to escape his arranged marriage, as he is in love with Countess Matilde. Meanwhile, Vaudémont stumbles upon a hidden entrance to Iolanta’s secret garden. Ignoring a warning that trespassers will be put to death, he finds Iolanta sleeping. Unaware of her identity, he falls in love with her at first sight.

Robert is astonished by his friend’s behaviour and becomes convinced that Iolanta is a sorceress who has bewitched Vaudémont. He leaves to gather his men and rescue his friend. When Iolanta awakens, Vaudémont asks her for a red rose as a keepsake. When she twice offers him a white rose instead, he realises she is blind. The two fall in love, and Vaudémont describes the wonders of light and colour to her.

The king discovers the couple together. Vaudémont declares his love for Iolanta, regardless of whether she is blind or not. Ebn-Jahia tells the king that now that Iolanta is aware of her condition, the treatment has a chance of succeeding. Yet Iolanta herself is unsure whether she even wants to be cured.

When Vaudémont admits that he has seen the warning at the garden entrance, the furious king threatens to have him executed for revealing the truth to Iolanta. Overcome with fear, Iolanta agrees to the treatment.

Robert returns with his men. He confesses to the king that he has fallen in love with another woman, but he is still willing to go through with the arranged marriage. The physician begins the procedure. It is a success, and Iolanta’s sight is restored. The king releases Robert from his engagement and gives his blessing to Iolanta and Vaudémont.

Creative team

Luonnotar

MUSIC Jean Sibelius
DIRECTOR Antony McDonald
SETS Antony McDonald
COSTUMES Antony McDonald
LIGHTING DESIGN Lucy Carter

Iolanta

MUSIC Pyotr Tchaikovsky
DIRECTOR Antony McDonald
SETS Antony McDonald
COSTUMES Antony McDonald
LIGHTING DESIGN Lucy Carter

cast

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