Estimated duration
2 h 30 min., incl. intermission
Organizer
Taideyliopiston Sibelius-Akatemia
German comic opera as part of the Opera class’s autumn programme
Ready to laugh? The Merry Wives of Windsor brings Shakespeare’s legendary comedy to the stage in a fast-paced operatic experience of humour, intrigue and misunderstanding. Composed by Otto Nicolai, the work is full of verve and energy – the perfect package for anyone who wants to experience opera in a new and entertaining form. It takes its audience on a journey where nothing really goes according to plan.
Did you know that The Merry Wives of Windsor was Nicolai’s last great masterpiece? It was performed just a few months before his death in 1849 and has since become one of the most beloved German comic operas. The opera’s catchy overture has become a classic and can be heard in symphony orchestras around the world. So come and see how the opera can combine Shakespearean wit with Nicolai’s musical merriment for an unforgettable evening of laughter, joy and emotion!
Additional information: Joonas Mikkilä, joonas.mikkila@uniarts.fi
Opera studies at the Sibelius Academy
Opera students at the Sibelius Academy perform in four full-scale productions in the course of their studies and in one dramatised concert with piano accompaniment. The opera productions are staged with the assistance of Finnish and foreign professionals of opera and of the stage.
Tickets to Musiikkitalo concerts and other events are available to purchase on our website, by telephone and at our physical box office.
Book tickets for 10–20 or more people is by contacting group sales service by email at ryhmat@musiikkitalo.fi or by telephone on 0600 411 101 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–15:00).
How about a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or a glass of bubbly during the interval? Order your drinks in advance to beat the queues and make the most of your concert visit.
Our location could not be more central or easier to get to. Almost all forms of Helsinki public transport stop right outside our doors, cycle parking is provided at all our entrances, and Aimo Park Finlandia, our nearest multi-storey car park, offers lift access directly to our main foyer.
At Helsinki Music Centre we are proud to be an accessible and welcoming place for everyone. Tactile handrails and signage have been fitted across the building, and there are tactile indicator strips on the floor too to guide partially sighted and blind visitors. Induction loops are always available, and guide or companion dogs are of course permitted within the building.
Concert Hall
The route to your seat is always printed on your ticket. Check the door number to find out which entrance to take. The seating areas are marked with letters. There is level access to all wheelchair seats from the main entrances. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff are always on hand to help you find your seat.
Black Box, Camerata and Sonore
Use the row number printed on your ticket to find your seat. Wheelchair seats are situated on the same level as the entrance. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff area always on hand to help you find your seat.
Unallocated seating
Please choose your seat on the day.
Floor plans
You can view our floor plans before your visit.
Cloakroom
We ask you to leave your coat and any larger items in the cloakroom. The cloakroom is free of charge.
Latecomers
Latecomers will be asked to wait until a suitable break in the performance or admitted after the interval.
Photography
You are not permitted to record concert performances at Helsinki Music Centre. However, you may take photographs before and after the concert and during applause. Individual concert organisers may have their own, more detail guidance regarding recording and photography.
Dress code
We’re happy to say we have no dress code at Helsinki Music Centre, and we positively encourage you to come as you are. However, we would be grateful if you could avoid wearing strong perfume during your visit so that people with asthma and fragrance sensitivity can enjoy our concerts symptom free.
