The Ostrobothnians
Leevi Madetoja’s The Ostrobothnians (”Pohjalaisia”) is often called Finland’s national opera, and rightly so. It’s a story about persistence, human rights, and freedom. Pohjalaisia was first performed in 1924. A century later, it reminds us of the timeless nature of stories that stir the human soul. The melodic music of the opera appeals to the emotions with its wistful undertones.
Now, The Ostrobothnians has been reinterpreted by some of Finland’s leading creatives. Paavo Westerberg, known for his work in film and TV, transitions his first opera production impactfully between scenes with powerful imagery. The intriguing staging is set against the backdrop of a potato field.
MUSIC Leevi Madetoja
LIBRETTO AFTER A PLAY BY ARTTURI JÄRVILUOMA Leevi Madetoja
CONDUCTOR Kaapo Ijas
DIRECTOR Paavo Westerberg
SETS Erlend Birkeland
COSTUMES Maria Geber
LIGHTING DESIGN Ellen Ruge
CHOREOGRAPHY Klevis Elmazaj
Discover the cast of the performance here
Read more about the Ostrobothnians
in cooperation with
