The Splendor of Opera in the Heat of the Castle Savonlinna’s Summer Night Magic
- Mikko Tenhunen
- 22.7.
- 2 min käytetty lukemiseen
Päivitetty: 28.7.
Boris Godunov
Modest Mussorgsky
My visit to the Savonlinna Opera Festival at Olavinlinna on July 19, 2025, was a memorable experience that beautifully combined a historical setting, powerful vocal artistry, and the full spectrum of the Finnish summer. The opera performance itself was expressive and vocally stunning – every note resonated impressively within the castle’s stone walls, and the performers’ interpretations were filled with emotion and precision.
A special mention goes to the lead performer, who, despite suffering from bronchitis, delivered such a professional performance that many in the audience likely didn’t notice anything unusual. This added a layer of admiration and respect to the entire experience.
Olavinlinna – A Stage Like No Other
Olavinlinna provided a unique and surprisingly acoustically excellent venue for the performance. The medieval castle added a sense of grandeur and historical depth that made the experience truly special. On the other hand, the hot weather (28–30 °C) made sitting in the audience occasionally uncomfortable – bringing a fan is highly recommended if the forecast predicts heat.
Costumes – Classical Meets Contemporary
The performers’ costumes were mostly elegant and impressive, perfectly matching the festive atmosphere of the production. However, some performers wore modern clothing, which may divide opinions – some may see it as a fresh and contemporary interpretation, while others might find it a conflicting choice, especially considering the opera is set during the era of the Russian Tsars.
Sounds of Nature – Atmosphere or Distraction?
Since the performance took place in the castle’s covered courtyard, birdsong and the occasional sound of motorboats could be heard in the background. For some, these may have been distractions, but on the other hand, they served as a reminder that we were in the heart of vibrant summer Savonia – part of what made the experience so unique.
Final Verdict: 9/10
All in all, the evening with Boris Godunov at Olavinlinna was a visually and musically powerful experience, blending Finnish cultural heritage, a castle on an island, and high-quality performing arts. Despite a few minor discomforts, the experience was absolutely worth attending – and will surely be remembered for a long time.
The performance was completely sold out, and at the end, the cast received a long and well-deserved round of applause from the audience – a fitting conclusion to a truly memorable night.
