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Kokkonen: The Last Temptations

The lead role in Joonas Kokkonen's great Finnish opera is sung by Mika Kares.

Date 05.03.2025 19.00 - 15.03.2025 15.00

VenueTampere Hall, Main Auditorium

Kuvassa Paavo Ruotsalainen, jota esittää Mika Kares, sekä hänen ensimmäinen vaimonsa Riitta, jota esittää Silja Aalto.

Performances and Tickets

Tampere Opera and the Savonlinna Opera Festival present:

Joonas Kokkonen: The Last Temptations

Main Auditorium, Tampere Hall

Wed 5 March 2025 at 7 pm (Premiere)
Fri 7 March 2025 at 7 pm
Sat 8 March 2025 at 3 pm
Wed 12 March 2025 at 7 pm
Fri 14 March 2025 at 7 pm
Sat 15 March 2025 at 3 pm

Tickets 110/98/78 €
Pensioners 102/90/70 €
Children (until 16-year-olds) and students 40 €

Please be prepared to present the certificate entitling you to the discount ticket (e.g. student card) to the Tampere Hall staff.

Duration approximately 2 h 40 min including one intermission (30 min).

The performance is in Finnish. Surtitles are available in Finnish and English.

Filming, photographing, or recording during the performance is prohibited.

Changes are possible.

Production by Tampere Hall and the Savonlinna Opera Festival.

In collaboration with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.

Supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.

About the Opera

The opera The Last Temptations (1975) by Joonas Kokkonen (1921–1996) is one of the most successful and popular Finnish operas of all time. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of its premiere.

The opera tells the story of the life and final days of the lay preacher Paavo Ruotsalainen and his wife Riitta in the 19th century. In the opera, Paavo Ruotsalainen lies on his deathbed and relives the most decisive moments of his life in a state of delirium. The composer included the familiar folk chorale Sinuhun turvaan, Jumala (In thee I trust, my God) in the opera, where it plays an important role. 

A Landmark in Finnish Opera

The role of Paavo was originally composed for the legendary Martti Talvela. In the new anniversary production it is sung by bass Mika Kares, one of the most successful opera singers in the world today.

‘Paavo Ruotsalainen’s thoughts on his deathbed, his account of a life lived and the somewhat dreamlike atmosphere of the work captivate us and feed our imagination. My direction pays tribute to the spirit of the centenary year, but is at the same time rhythmic and even playful’, says director Mikko Kouki.  

The Last Temptations is a co-production between Tampere Opera and the Savonlinna Opera Festival, in collaboration with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.

Team

Composer Joonas Kokkonen
Librettist Lauri Kokkonen

Conductor Ville Matvejeff
Director Mikko Kouki
Set designer Teemu Loikas
Costume designer Tiina Valkama
Lighting designer Janne Teivainen
Choreographer Jouni Prittinen
Make-up and hair designer Johanna Vänttinen
Choir conductor Heikki Liimola

Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Tampere Opera Choir

Cast

Paavo Ruotsalainen, Finnish farmer, leader of religious revival (bass) Mika Kares
Riitta, Paavo’s first wife (soprano) Silja Aalto
Juhana, Paavo’s and Riitta’s son (tenor) Johan Krogius
Jaakko Högman, smith who converted Paavo (bass) Petri Lindroos
First man (tenor) Tuomas Miettola
Second man (baritone) Olli-Tapio Tikkanen
Third man (bass) Henri Uusitalo
First woman (soprano) Annika Leino
Second woman (mezzo-soprano) Elli Vallinoja
Third woman (alto) Maiju Vaahtoluoto
Anna Loviisa, Paavo’s second wife (speaking role) Laura Malmivaara
Albertiina Nenonen, servant (speaking role) Helena Puukka
Shadow dancers Riikka Puumalainen, Ville Oinonen, Patrik Riipinen, Klaara Haapanen

Opera Buffet

Would you like to accompany your visit to the opera with our delicious Opera Buffet? The buffet is served two hours before the performance.

The Opera Buffet is on sale for Saturday performances on March 8, 2025 and March 15, 2025 from 1 to 3 pm.

Reservations: ravintola@tampere-talo.fi

Ryhmä ihmisiä kilistelevt kuohuviinilaseja Tampere-talon aularavintolassa

Did you know that you can order snacks before the show or for the interval?

Make sure you get the servings you want by buying them in advance.
You can buy snacks or drinks online in advance, at the latest the day before the concert by 6 p.m.
You can order snacks for the chosen event by clicking the “buy snacks” link.

ASK FOR A GROUP OFFER

If your party includes 10 or more people
you can ask for a group offer:
ryhmamyynti@tampere-talo.fi
tel. 03 243 4501 (Mon to Fri from 10 am to 4 pm)

Courtyard by Marriott Tampere City, Visit Tampere Laura Vanzo
Kuva: Laura Vanzo, Visit Tampere

Complement your experience by staying under the same roof

The Courtyard Tampere City hotel, attached to Tampere Hall, offers the perfect experience. When you book accommodation for your visit through us, you get partner rates. Welcome to enjoy yourself!

Photo: Laura Vanzo, Visit Tampere