Premiere introductions are events arranged for the public to hear the thoughts and inspirations of the Finnish National Opera production team before the exciting premiere of a new work. The introductions often include 'sneak peaks' and excerpts from the production. Premiere introductions are presented in Finnish.

The glowing passion of the overture plunges the listener into a whirl of yearning, love, fulfilment and death that lasts until the very end of the opera - and beyond: the emotional impact of this four-hour blockbuster lingers for a long time. Premiere 17th of May 2013.

Gaetano Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore is a perennial favourite among comic operas. And no wonder: it is a happy blend of the mishaps of lovesick characters and suave Italian melodies.

One of the best-loved ballets in the world based on the classic fairy tale about Princess Aurora. This production is choreographed by Javier Torres, based on Marius Petipa's classic choreography. Sleeping Beauty is an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

Scores of young Finnish students of ballet will gather together at the Finnish National Opera to perform on the main stage.

Welcome to the Spring Recital of the Finnish National Opera's Ballet School, featuring performances that will cover the entire scope of Ballet School operations.

In the summer, a group of dancers from the FNB will be going on tour in Finland, visiting several cities and towns for free public performances in market squares and similar venues. The summer tour is kindly sponsored by Danske Bank.

Contemporary circus star James Thiérrée's voluminous stream of consciousness is channeled into a disarmingly surrealistic performance.

Finnish National Opera orchestra celebrates the 50th anniversary on a guest appearance at the Helsinki Music Centre with Richard Strauss's opera Daphne, starring Soile Isokoski.

The Finnish National Opera celebrates the Night of the Arts in Helsinki on August 22 with a free evening of outdoor music and dancing.

As August skies begin to darken, the Finnish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus present a heady mix of summer melodies at the closing concert of the Organ Night and Aria Festival at the Espoo Cathedral. Soprano Hanna Rantala and mezzo-soprano Lilli Paasikivi are the featured soloists.

Saturday afternoon matinee in the main foyer of the Opera House offers a treat for the ear and a welcome moment of relaxation. Free entry!

A new perspective on a familiar story is born when the riotous brothers of Finnish lore collide with the world of ballet. In the work's first performances in the 1980s, the male energy of the Finnish National Ballet's performance of Seven Brothers captivated audiences in Finland and abroad.

The 'Masters in the House' concert combines the future hopes of the music world with professional orchestral musicians. Jaakko Kuusisto will conduct the collective orchestra.

Don José falls in love with the feisty gypsy girl Carmen. But Carmen's love runs free - it cannot be confined. José's blood begins to boil with revenge... The FNO production sets Carmen in 1930s Spain. Bizet's eternal classic is the most popular opera of all time.

Carl Knif Company and Sami Saikkonen's The Little Ballet of Finland perform in the Almi Hall.

Elderly bachelor Don Pasquale experiments with married life and learns a lesson he won't soon forget. Enjoy Donizetti's sunny music and delightful comic predicaments in a stylish new 1950s setting.

One of the best-loved ballets in the world based on the classic fairy tale about Princess Aurora. This production is choreographed by Javier Torres, based on Marius Petipa's classic choreography. Sleeping Beauty is an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

The Almi Hall hosts an evening of opera in a double bill featuring Francis Poulenc's La voix humaine (The Human Voice) and William Walton's The Bear.

An immortal score, engaging fairy tale, and light-hearted farce combine to form a depiction of mankind's journey towards enlightenment. The content of The Magic Flute is so abundant; it lends itself to interpretation again and again.

"He snores, he roars, he is the world's greatest lion!" Liontamer is a fun new opera fairy tale incorporating familiar melodies from Mozart, Donizetti, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet and Puccini.

In November, the Finnish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus will perform in two concerts at St. John's Church in Helsinki and Ristinkirkko Church in Lahti. The programme features Johannes Brahms's monumental work Ein deutsches Requiem, with soprano Soile Isokoski and baritone Jaakko Kortekangas as soloists and Brahms' Alto Rhapsody, featuring mezzo-soprano Lilli Paasikivi as soloist.

World-famous choreographer Ohad Naharin returns to Finland with a new production: Deca Dance Helsinki. Naharin describes his new work as a mix of the here-and-now and past work drawing on passion, prowess and the power of imagination.

A cleaning woman at the popular soup restaurant dreams of waiting on tables, and she finally has the chance to try her wings. What will happen to poor Sofia? Photo Soup is a contemporary dance work for 6 to 9 year old children.

Erich Korngold's raging music merges with Kasper Holten's talented direction and Camilla Nylund's heartfelt performance to produce one of the Finnish National Opera's most celebrated productions.

The Finnish National Ballet presents a collection of its most captivating current repertoire in a visiting performance at Espoo's Louhi Hall.

The event will feature enthusiasts of contemporary, jazz and modern dance from all around Finland.

Turandot beheads all her wooers, but Prince Calaf risks it all to defy the peril. Can his love melt the ice princess' heart? Set in the fantastical setting of Peking, Turandot is Puccini's final luminously melodic masterwork.

As the holiday season draws nearer and the jubilee year draws to a close, the Finnish National Opera Orchestra leaves Helsinki behind and sets out on a festive Christmas music tour of the southern regions of Finland. Soloists and the children's choir of the Finnish National Opera join the orchestra in a heart-warming selection of holiday classics.

Kenneth Greve's ballet for the whole family is based on the tale by H.C. Andersen from 1845. The Music was composed by Tuomas Kantelinen.

The familiar Cinderella tale as told by Rossini is a real musical fireworks display with one accomplished, jolly and charming number following the other.

Bella Figura is a triple bill featuring works by three world-famous choreographers.

Finnish star soprano Karita Mattila continues her series of unforgettable interpretations of Janáček. This searing description of a young woman's fate is among the most important operatic works of the 20th century.

Don Giovanni seduces and charms without remorse, until the day he receives a mysterious dinner guest. Mozart composed this exquisite opera seria around the notorious legend of Don Juan.

A witch's spell turns a handsome Prince into a beast and only true love can save him. But who could ever love a hideous beast? This ballet version of the charming fairy tale is sure to fascinate the whole family.

Father and son in love with the same woman, the struggle for freedom, a lonely king, and the conflict between the powers of heaven and earth - Verdi used these ingredients to create a magnificently dramatic grand opera.

It is a frigid winter in Paris; the moon shines over the roofs of the city. But the virtues of art and romance warm the hearts of the young bohemians, just like the music of Puccini feeds the audience's soul.

Peer Gynt travels the world, only to return home after decades of real and imaginary adventures to his Solveig. Henrik Ibsen's classic play depicts the entire span of human life, along with its dreams and hopes, and longing for home.

Interpretations of Argentinian and Finnish tango electrify the Opera Main Stage in an evening of dance hosted by Finnish dance legend Jorma Uotinen.

With its orchestral colours and enticing melodies, Der Rosenkavalier exudes Viennese elegance, making it one of Richard Strauss' most popular operas.