Summer 1995 promises to be a season of great excitement and new acquaintances for our Savonlinna Opera Festival audiences. Aulis Sallinen's opera The Palace, which already has a chequered history, is a work that simply has to be seen and heard.

It has demanded an unprecedented display of energy on the part of all involved, but the premiere of a new Finnish opera is always a special cause for celebration. And who knows: maybe The Palace will soon be going forth abroad to spread the message of Finland's thriving musical culture.

The hopes and expectations of a number of music lovers will also be fulfilled by the visit to Olavinlinna of the Mariinsky Theatre, this time with full opera productions. Taking the castle stage will be Puccini's Tosca and Shostako vich's Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, plus Verdi's Macbeth, the Opera Festival's own production. All are works seething with emotion. And Wagner's illustrious Flying Dutchman will be back on the programme again.

International cooperation is an admirable means of adding variety to our Festival programme. It also helps to raise the artistic standard of the Festival and to make Savonlinna even more conspicuous on the cultural map of the world.

One of the special Savonlinna productions in 1995 will be the performance of one of the great Bach choral works, the St John Passion, conducted by Peter Schreier. The music of different creeds will thus be united in Savonlinna Cathedral. Audiences will also be treated to masters of the Lied and of the piano, be invited to share in the poetry of Eino Leino and to give free rein to their imaginations at the Retretti concerts.

It is gratifying for us to note that many of our distinguished artist friends from previous years will be returning to Olavinlinna to face new challenges. Our star visitors and promising young talents all help to enrich the Festival and to guarantee its future.

We look forward to the 1995 season of the Savonlinna Opera Festival in a confident, optimistic mood. Ahead of us lie new, inspiring opportunities.

We extend a warm welcome to all: come and enjoy the Savonlinna Opera Festival to the full. Contact our sales office for seats and prices.

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