Finland currently lacks regular, fully fledged baroque opera activity. In many countries, baroque orchestras and opera houses collaborate regularly, but this has not yet been the case in Finland. The Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO) already has a letter of intent with the Finnish National Opera, and with the grant now awarded, the development of baroque opera activities can finally gain real momentum.
“Finnish National Opera and Ballet congratulates our partner, Finnish Baroque Orchestra, in securing this important funding from The Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. We look forward to realising the potential of this collaboration over several years with FiBO. Through Finnish National Opera and Ballet contributing its size, scale, infrastructure and systems base to enhance a key independent player in the sector we hope to demonstrate proof of the partnership concept as a viable means to grow the sector at a time of financial austerity. Our artistic collaboration aims to assist in the renewal of baroque opera in Finland to build audiences and support artists”, Thomas de Mallet Burgess, Artistic Director of Finnish National Opera, says.
FiBO’s Executive Manager Laura Kajander is also excited about the future: “I am extremely pleased that the long-discussed idea of baroque opera in Finland is finally finding a firm place in our cultural landscape. Fantastic musical experiences lie ahead. I would like to thank the Finnish Baroque Orchestra team and the Finnish National Opera for their excellent work and courage in embracing new challenges."
The first production will take place in autumn 2026, partly as a touring production. The second production is planned for 2027, and the third production is envisioned for the main stage of the Finnish National Opera.
FiBO warmly thanks the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and is ready to roll up its sleeves for baroque opera.
The Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation awarded grants to 13 projects in the fields of medicine, other sciences, arts, and culture. You can read more about the foundation’s autumn grants on their website.
News about the collaboration on the Finnish National Opera and Ballet’s website.
More information:
Laura Kajander
Executive Manager
Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO)
+358 40 593 7154
laura.kajander@fibo.fi
fibo.fi
01-10-2025