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Aulis Sallinen – Paavo Haavikko

The Horseman

Duration
2 h 30 min, incl. interval (estimated duration, specified during the premiere week)
When
9.5.2025 – 28.5.2025
Where
Main Stage
Genre
Opera
Price range
30–138 €
Language
Finnish. Surtitles in Finnish, Swedish and English
Age recommendation
12+

When all that’s left is love

Imagine a future where every conceivable horror has come to pass: a nuclear disaster, extinct species, oceans filled with plastic, and superpowers oppressing weaker nations. There’s no more mail, press, or data networks. Rumours and beliefs thrive. This is the reality in which Antti and Anna live. What happens to love in the shadow of oppression?

Seen for the first time at the Finnish National Opera, Aulis Sallinen’s (b. 1935) The Horseman takes audiences on a journey to a dystopian future. Jussi Nikkilä’s direction featuring Finland’s top singers promises a compelling interpretation of one of the country’s landmark operatic works.

synopsis

In the midst of a war between Sweden and Russia, Finland finds itself caught as a battleground between the two powers. Here, people must either live in near enslavement or collaborate with the occupiers as bureaucrats or tradesmen. This is the world in which Antti and Anna find themselves. What happens to love in the face of oppression?

Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.

creative team

Music
Aulis Sallinen
Libretto
Paavo Haavikko
Conductor
Harri Karri, Hannu Lintu
Director
Jussi Nikkilä
Sets
takis
Costumes
takis
Lighting and projection design
Mikko Linnavuori
Choreography
Mirva Mäkinen

cast

Antti
Mika Kares
Merchant of Novgorod
Johannes Vatjus
Merchant's wife
Anna Danik
Yeoman
Ville Rusanen
Matti Puikkanen
Markus Nieminen

listen to the horseman

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tickets and performances

Gift packages are available to this performance. A gift package includes ticket(s) to the best seats in the stalls as well as interval refreshments from a buffet: coffee/tea and Opera cake(s). Choose your seats from the stalls in price category B or C and select ticket type ‘GIFT PACKAGE’. The offer is valid until 23 December. The offer does not apply to premieres. Package availability is limited.

Secure your seat with a season ticket

the keys to an entertaining evening

Order refreshments

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or in the interval.
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and place an order
in advance.

Programme booklets

Programme booklets
are sold by our
customer services,
the Opera Restaurant,
and our lobby
personnel for 7 euros.

Arriving at the Opera House

The Opera House
is located by the
Töölönlahti bay at
Helsinginkatu 58.
Learn the easiest
ways to get here.

Accessible seats

You can purchase accessible tickets online or via our customer services. Learn more about
accessibility at
the Opera House.