Opening ceremony launches the Festival of Light on 23 October
The Festival of Lights Opening Festival begins on Friday, 23 October at 7 p.m. with the traditional opening ceremony in Koskipuisto Park. The highlight of the evening is the new chamber opera Her Voice. The performance highlights the story of Hilja Pärssinen, one of the 19 women elected to the Finnish Parliament following the historic 1907 elections.
The music has been composed by Minna Leinonen, while the libretto and stage direction are by Marika Vapaavuori. Internationally acclaimed soprano Tuuli Takala performs the role of Hilja Pärssinen, while 13-year-old Villa Murtagh sings the role of Toini, a young factory worker. Her Voice is a commissioned work created for the 80th anniversary of Tampere Opera. Dancing waters are part of the performance.
For the outdoor performance, the orchestral parts will be recorded by the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Ruut Kiiski. Tampere Opera’s 50-member choir will perform live in Koskipuisto Park. The production also features 50 dancers from Balettikoulu Hannele Suomalainen. The choreography is by Riikka Korpi.