Savonlinna Opera Festival attracts 61,000 visitors in Finland with 85 performances

The 2024 Savonlinna Opera Festival attracted approximately 61,000 visitors. Ticket sales and the number of tickets sold rose by three percent compared to the previous year, according to a press release from the festival organizers. Foreign guests accounted for about 10 percent of all ticket buyers, with the majority traveling from the Nordic countries, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Notably, 17 percent of attendees were first-time visitors to the festival.

This year’s festival featured highlights such as Karita Mattila’s debut, performances of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” a special visit from the National Theatre of Prague, and Kaija Saariaho’s “Adriana Mater.” All performances of Verdi’s “Nabucco” were nearly sold out prior to the event, drawing a total audience of 17,000 and earning the title of the summer’s favorite opera based on social media feedback.

Throughout the six weeks, 85 performances, concerts, and events were held in and around Olavinlinna.

Next year, the festival will celebrate the 550th anniversary of Olavinlinna. Ticket sales for the 2025 edition have already begun.