Salonen's Helsinki Rheingold celebrates Finnish vocal talent as new Ring launches

In Helsinki, Antony McDonald pairs Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta with a staged version of Sibelius’ tone poem Luonnotar, brilliantly voiced by soprano Silja Aalto.

Finnish National Opera premieres an emotionally diffuse interpretation of the Karl Ove Knausgård’s novel The Morning Star, with Swedish libretto by Gunilla Hemming and direction by Thomas de Mallet Burgess. 

Christof Loy’s psychological staging returns to the stage of Finnish National Opera, with Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid compelling in the title role. 

In an unusually convincing concert performance, Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Finnish National Opera emphasised the lyrical aspects of Wagner's Das Rheingold.

Marco Arturo Marelli's 2012 production lacks mystery but puts a fine Golaud centre stage, while Esa-Pekka Salonen ensures superior musical values in the pit. 

Carè, Stundytė and Pursio all shine as singers and actors in an intense, exciting production at the Finnish National Opera.