Saaremaa Opera Days: A week of spectacular performances starting today

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Visit Estonia / Mart Vares

Today marks the start of the ever-popular Saaremaa Opera Days, a six-day event held in the historical courtyard of Kuressaare Castle. 

The festival opens tonight at 8 pm with a performance of Puccini’s “Tosca.” Set in Italy during the Napoleonic invasion, “Tosca” is a gripping tale of passion, jealousy, revenge, hatred, and self-destructive love. The story revolves around the singer Floria Tosca, her lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi, and the corrupt police chief Scarpia. This tragic melodrama is one of the most beloved examples of Italian verismo opera.

On July 24, there are two performances of the flamenco show “Carmen” at 5 pm and 8 pm, the earlier being a world premiere. “Carmen” combines the intense dance of flamenco with the magical music of Bizet’s opera. The story of Carmen and Don José is enhanced by an orchestra, choir, and soloists, taking the audience to 19th-century Spain with its passionate and dramatic presentation. Note that the 8 pm show is already sold out.

Later that evening, at 11 pm, the Opera Royal hosts a Midnight Salon in the Kuressaare Castle Courtyard. Guests can enjoy Catalan flavours along with opera, operetta, and zarzuela music. The ticket price of €65 includes snacks and a limited amount of alcoholic beverages.

On July 25 at 8 pm, the festival continues with Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut.” This opera tells the story of the courtesan Manon, her rise and fall driven by her love for luxury and wealth. The opera focuses on the themes of love, ambition, and the corrupting influence of wealth. “Manon Lescaut” remains a moving and powerful piece that continues to engage audiences worldwide.

On July 26, at 8 pm, Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” will be performed. Known for its complex and dramatic plot full of twists, “Il Trovatore” features beautiful arias and ensemble numbers. The opera involves two love triangles: one driven by love (Manrico – Leonora – Count di Luna) and the other by revenge (Azucena – Count di Luna – Manrico). Verdi’s captivating characters and dramatic music make “Il Trovatore” a standout in the opera world.

Later on July 26, at 11 pm, the Midnight Salon returns with the international acoustic ensemble “The Impresarios.” This group features members from Geneva, Madrid, London, Barcelona, and Zurich, who perform acoustic versions of golden-age jazz classics and contemporary club hits.

On July 27 at 8 pm, the Opera Gala will showcase selections from Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, offering a delightful evening of bel canto opera and the diverse, vibrant zarzuela genre.

The festival concludes on July 28 at 2 pm with a family opera performance of “Let’s Play the Magic Flute,” a fun and adventurous short version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” with Estonian lyrics. Conducted by Henri Christofer Aavik, this performance is presented by the MTÜ Ooperiga Sõbraks (Friends with Opera) and is directed by Ain Anger.

For more information and tickets, visit the official Saaremaa Opera Days website.

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Events in Estonia Kuressaare Castle Opera Festival Opera in Estonia Puccini Tosca Saaremaa Saaremaa Opera Days