Friday 8 September 2017

Today : world première of Sebastian Fagerlund's 'Höstsonaten' in Helsinki


Today, the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki presents the world première of Sebastian Fagerlund's Höstsonaten (Autumn Sonata), with a libretto by Gunilla Hemming after Ingmar Bergman's film.


It is the composer's second opera after Döbeln (Kokkola, 2009).
Its protagonists meet up in the dark hours of the night and end up having to question the choices they’ve made and their consequences. Underlying the drama, we have the eternal themes of forgiveness and the ability to accept other people as they are. (reproduced from the Finnish National Opera website)
The cast includes mezzo Anne Sofie von Otter (Charlotte Andergast), sopranoErika Sunnegårdh (Eva), baritone Tommi Hakala (Viktor), soprano Helena Juntunen (Helena) and bass Nicholas Söderlund (Leonardo). John Storgårds conducts the Orchestra and Choir of the Finnish National Opera. Stéphane Braunschweig directs.

The required orchestra is the following :

- 3 flutes, 3 oboes, 3 clarinets, 3 bassoons,
- 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 tuba,
- percussion, piano
- strings

The opera is in 2 acts. The performance should last about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 intermission. The opera will be recorded by YLE and will be available on the Opera Platform.


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