BOREALLAS 1.-4.10.2026

SUMMER PRELUDE EVENTS | 30 May, 27 June, 4 July, 11 July and 18 July

SUMMER EVENTS ON THE MUSIC CENTRE TERRACE

The Boreallas Summer Prelude Events will take place as terrace events at the Helsinki Music Centre on five Saturdays at 5 pm. The programme features baroque music, folk music, and improvised opera created in the spirit of the Baroque era.

STREAM OF SOUND

A variety of performances, including musical moments in the foyer of the Helsinki Music Centre, will refresh the soul. The programme includes choirs, performances by masterclass participants, baroque dance, and presentations of community engagement projects by the Finnish Baroque Orchestra.

BELOW THE SURFACE

Panel discussions will explore topics such as class issues in opera, LGBTQ+ themes, and new approaches to creating baroque opera. In addition to opera, discussions will focus on Nordic collaboration and the roots of baroque music, folk music, and folk dance. Short talks will offer insights into subjects ranging from international radio interviews to concert promotion and touring. Featured speakers and artists include Marissa Mehr, Henna Tanskanen, Vera Plosila, and Thomas de Mallet Burgess.

AT THE SOURCE

Some masterclasses are open to the public. The courses are organised in collaboration with, among others, the Sibelius Academy and professional orchestras in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Choral singers are invited to join the 3D Final Chorus conducted by Justin Doyle.

IN THE BUBBLE

Open rehearsals offer a chance to experience the dynamics of the rehearsal process from within. Who says what, how, and to whom? A distinctive feature of the Aria Borealis Competition is that the singers are an integral part of the musical whole, developing their interpretations together with the orchestra musicians.

DIVE IN

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the Boreal Pool – whether by trying out dance steps or reimagining an opera. What if Mimì did not die, as she does in Puccini’s La Bohème?

BY THE STREAM

The festival venues, including the Helsinki Music Centre and the House of the Estates, are surrounded by the beauty of Helsinki. Juhani Styrman will guide a city walk that concludes with a concert.

HOT POOL

Artists’ leisure time includes coffee gatherings and informal socialising, perhaps by the poolside. Some of these informal artist gatherings will also be open to audience participation.