The Horseman | Ratsumies | Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, May 2025
Finnish National Opera premiere of Aulis Sallinen’s landmark 1975 opera with libretto by Paavo Haavikko. Directed by Jussi Nikkilä and conducted by Hannu Lintu, with performances May 9, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, and 28, 2025. This production brought Sallinen’s modernist masterwork to the National Opera’s main stage for the first time, nearly 50 years after its world premiere at the Savonlinna Opera Festival.
The Horseman explores medieval Finnish history through Haavikko’s distinctive poetic libretto, examining themes of power, loyalty, and mortality. takis designed the production’s staging, creating a visual language that captures both the opera’s historical setting and its timeless philosophical inquiries. The opera requires a design that serves Sallinen’s complex, atmospheric score—neither purely realistic nor abstract, but finding visual equivalents for the music’s stark beauty.
This marked takis’ continued collaboration with Finnish National Opera following Total Karita (2022) and preceded work on international productions. Sallinen’s opera remains one of Finland’s most important contemporary operatic works, with this production introducing it to new audiences at the country’s premier opera house.
Creative Team: Composer: Aulis Sallinen | Librettist: Paavo Haavikko | Director: Jussi Nikkilä | Designer: takis | Conductor: Hannu Lintu