Åland Opera Festival celebrated its 5th anniversary with W.A.Mozart’s masterpiece the Magical Flute at Kastelholm Castle on 8-10 August. It was the first time ever that a full opera performance, with a symphony orchestra, a large choir, and room for 800 people in the audience, was held outside the castle. The medieval fortress and the historic cultural setting provided a perfect background for Mozart’s singspiel.
The production was directed by the festival’s artistic director, Åland native opera singer Dan Karlström. Åland native Sofie Asplund made her debut as Pamina, alongside Finland-Swedish tenor Markus Nykänen as Tamino. The Queen of the Night was sung by Suvi Väyrynen, and Sarastro by Petri Lindroos. The role of Papageno was played by Åland native Philip Björkqvist and Papagena by Elina Granlund, who is also a local talent. A large number of local artists were involved in the production in smaller roles and as dancers as well as in the choir.
Åland Opera Festival ended with a concert version of Astor Piazzolla’s tango opera María de Buenos Aires with Angela Klas in the leading role as Maria.
Apart from the Åland Opera Festival, August – the music month on Åland – offers a variety of interesting music events, such as Åland Sea Jazz and Katrina chamber music festival. https://www.katrina.ax/om-kulturforeningen/english
Source: Åland Opera Festival, and for more information on the opera festival, please visit Åland Opera Festival
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