OperaBoom

As the Mirjam Helin Competition in Helsinki names its winners, what awaits the next generation of singers who are hoping to repeat the success of their forbears – or simply earn a living? We assess their options and opportunities with the help of two established professionals.

Reports of the death of opera have been frequent since the Second World War, but as far as Finland is concerned they have been greatly exaggerated. Finnish opera is now doing better than ever, with some 20 new additions to the repertoire every year.

A superficial reason for the opera boom may be the composers' wish to celebrate the new millennium with a work of opera, the king of music genres. However, the boom also speaks of the current good financial situation, for operas are expensive, as is well known. Opera has also spread beyond the stages of the established institutions such as the Finnish National Opera, and small ensembles are trying their wings.

Kimmo Hakola writes about three opera performances at the Helsinki Festival 2015 and analyses the current state of the opera in Finland.