King Roger

Olavinlinna, Savonlinna, Finland

Scene 1 from the opera "King Roger", photo 7

Scene 3 from the opera "King Roger", photo 8

Scene 4 from the opera "King Roger", photo 9

Scene 5 from the opera "King Roger", photo 10

Scene 6 from the opera "King Roger", photo 11

All photos (11)

Select date and time

7 PM

Important Info

Festival: Savonlinna Opera Festival 2021

Type: Opera

City: Savonlinna, Finland

Starts at: 19:00

Acts: 3

Intervals: 1

Duration:

Sung in: Polish

Titles in: Finnish,English

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Festival

Savonlinna Opera Festival 2021

Following the Finnish government’s ruling regarding events in summer 2020, this year’s Savonlinna Opera Festival has been postponed until 2021 to help control the coronavirus epidemic. The programme scheduled for 2020 will be performed in Olavinlinna next year instead. Any tickets already bought or reserved will automatically be valid for summer 2021 performances.

Overview

The imposing 1920s opera by Polish Karol Szymanovski is experiencing a renaissance around the world. This is the first time it will be seen on a Finnish opera stage.

Set in the multicultural 12th century Sicily, this mystery play pulls the audience in with intoxicatingly poetic music. At the same time, it’s an almost spiritual experience – the story of a king, his wife, and a young shepherd who lays out visions of temptations and sensuality in front of the conservative court.

What prevails in the end is the eternal conflict between the body and the soul, between rationality and instincts.

This intensive love triangle features artists of the new generation. Soprano Helena Juntunen will shine as Roxana, Swedish baritone Fredrik Zetterström sings the role of King Roger, and tenor Gerald Schneider appears as the Shepherd. Schneider’s charismatic stage presence has been likened to that of a popstar.

History

Premiere of this production: 19 June 1926, Grand Theatre, Warsaw

King Roger (Polish: Król Roger) is an opera in three acts by Karol Szymanowski to a Polish libretto by the composer himself and Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, the composer's cousin. The score was finished in 1924. The opera received its world premiere on 19 June 1926 at the Grand Theatre, Warsaw, with the cast including the composer's sister, the soprano Stanisława Korwin-Szymanowska, as Roxana.

Synopsis

Place: Sicily
Time: 12th century
The story concerns the enlightenment of the Christian King Roger II by a young shepherd who represents pagan ideals.

Act 1
Often known as the "Byzantine" act

The Shepherd is introduced to King Roger and his court during mass at the Palermo Cathedral. Despite calls by the Archbishop as well as the crowd for his punishment as a heretic, Roxana, Roger's wife, convinces the King not to kill him. She implores him to pass a fair judgment on the Shepherd. Roger orders the young man to appear at the palace that night, where he will explain himself and submit to the King's judgement.

Act 2
The "Oriental" act, representing India and the Middle East

As instructed, the Shepherd appears at the palace gates. Roxana sings a seductive song which is clearly a response to the visitor, causing Roger to grow increasingly agitated. As the Shepherd is led in, he describes his faith in detail and soon almost the entire court joins him in an ecstatic dance. Roger attempts to chain him, but the Shepherd easily breaks free, and leaves the palace with almost all of those assembled following him. At first the King and his Arab advisor, Edrisi are left alone, but soon it is decided that Roger will join the Shepherd.

Act 3
The "Greco-Roman" act

In an ancient Greek theater, King Roger and Edrisi rejoin Roxana, who informs her husband that only the Shepherd can free him of his fear and jealousy. A fire is lit, and the Shepherd's followers commence another dance, while the Shepherd is transformed into Dionysus. As the dance ends and the participants leave the stage, Roger is left transformed by the experience, and sings a joyous hymn at the arrival of the morning sun.

Venue Info

Olavinlinna - Savonlinna
Olavinkatu 27

Rising dramatically from the waters of Lake Saimaa, Olavinlinna Castle is one of the most extraordinary opera venues in the world. This 15th-century medieval fortress, with its massive stone walls and towers, becomes each summer a unique stage for the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival, where history and music merge in unforgettable harmony.

Built in 1475, the castle preserves its authentic atmosphere of a northern stronghold, creating a setting unlike any traditional opera house. Performances take place in the central courtyard, transformed into an open-air auditorium where ancient stone surfaces enhance natural acoustics, giving voices remarkable clarity and depth.

The dramatic surroundings add a powerful visual dimension to every production. As twilight descends over the lake and the northern sky glows softly, the illuminated walls of Olavinlinna create a magical backdrop for opera’s most emotional and grand works. The combination of nature, architecture, and live performance turns each evening into a truly immersive experience.

The Savonlinna Opera Festival is celebrated for its high artistic standards, international casts, and imaginative productions, all of which gain a unique intensity within the castle’s historic space. Here, opera feels both monumental and intimate — a rare balance that leaves a lasting impression.

At Olavinlinna, opera is not just performed — it is lived, surrounded by history, water, and the timeless beauty of the Finnish landscape.