Estimated duration
1 h, no intermission
Organizer
Sounds & Sweet Airs
“I, Elizabeth I” – a musical monologue about an iconic ruler in personal and political crisis. World premiere of the English-language version.
“I, Elizabeth – A Monarch in Crisis” is a compelling music-theatre work that boldly breaks down the boundaries between theatrical performance and classical concert. The hugely successful production is based on the writings of Queen Elizabeth I of England and historical documents, bringing the inner struggle of an iconic female ruler vividly close to today’s audience.
Elizabeth I is confronted with the most difficult decision of her reign: she must sign the death warrant of her cousin, Mary Stuart. The crisis is not merely personal, but also profoundly political and religious. How does one live with such a decision? How can it be morally justified – above all to oneself? How can the world be convinced that the resolution was inevitable?
The performance unfolds through an intense dialogue between text and music, with Elizabeth’s own playing forming an integral part of the dramaturgy. Known as a gifted musician, the queen in this work seeks through music a way to reconcile her sensitivity with the demands of ruthless power: how to be both a feeling human being and an uncompromising ruler at the same time?
In the role of Elizabeth we see harpsichordist and actor Elina Mustonen, whose presence and virtuosic playing carry the performance. The music features the most renowned composers of Elizabeth’s era – John Bull, Orlando Gibbons, William Byrd, Giles Farnaby, John Dowland, Peter Philips, and Giovanni Picchi – and the works are performed on the queen’s favourite instrument, the virginal.
The English-language version of the piece, “I, Elizabeth – A Monarch in Crisis”, now receives its world premiere. The Finnish-language version, “Minä, Elisabet”, premiered at Teatteri Jurkka on March 20, 2025.
In 2027, the production will embark on an international tour, visiting among other places Estonia and England.
Script: Nely Keinänen
Direction: Laura Jäntti
On stage: Elina Mustonen
Scenography: Tarja Simone
The performance is in English.
Photos: Marko Mäkinen / Teatteri Jurkka
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. Interval refreshments are not available at all concerts.
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
When purchasing a concert ticket in the Music Centre’s ticket shop, you can view the sightline from your seat in a 360-degree view.
How to use the 360-degree view: Select your preferred seat on the seating map and then choose the ticket type.
On a mobile device, the 360-degree image opens when you tap the chevron at the top edge of the bottom panel. Tapping the image again opens it in full-screen mode, allowing you to rotate the view.
On a computer, you will find the “My Seat” section in the upper-right corner of the ticket shop. Below the heading, a photo of the Concert Hall is displayed. Clicking the image opens the view from the selected seat. You can rotate the image with your mouse to explore the view from the seat in greater detail.
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.
