Savonlinna Festival

The Savonlinna Opera Festival, held annually in the picturesque city of Savonlinna, Finland, is a month-long cultural event renowned for its high-quality opera performances and concerts. Established in 1912 by Finnish soprano Aino Ackté, the festival has grown to become Finland's premier cultural event, attracting 70,000 visitors each summer. Nestled within Olavinlinna, a medieval castle on an island amidst Finland's largest lake, the festival offers a uniquely dramatic atmosphere that combines historical charm with excellent acoustics.

Originally conceived as a celebration of Finnish identity and independence, the festival has evolved to include a diverse range of operatic works from both Finnish and international composers. Over the years, the festival has staged numerous premieres, including works by Aulis Sallinen, Einojuhani Rautavaara, and Kimmo Hakola, among others. In addition to its own productions, the festival has also hosted visiting productions from esteemed opera houses such as La Scala and the Bolshoi Theatre.

The festival's dramatic setting, combined with its commitment to artistic excellence, has made it a beloved destination for music lovers from around the world. With a total audience of around 60,000 each year, an estimated quarter of whom come from abroad, the Savonlinna Opera Festival has established itself as a truly international cultural event.

Set against the backdrop of the Finnish Lakeland, the festival offers visitors the opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty, including the rare Saimaa ringed seal.