Il Diluvio Universale

Vibrant baroque music sounds especially good in the acoustics of Olavinlinna. We experience delicacy and richness at the same time, a bit like the fluffy wigs of the courtiers, or like macarons.   

The world’s concert halls are currently finding audiences’ appetites for baroque music to be insatiable – and we are being spoilt likewise. In addition to the English opera The Fairy Queen, we shall hear the rare Il diluvio universale, a dialogue oratorio from Sicily.  

This work by the rediscovered composer and Catholic priest Michelangelo Falvetti is like an omen sent from the late 17th century to our own time: called ‘The Universal Flood’, it foretells climate change from the perspectives of various roles including God, Noah, a choir of drowning people, Justice and Humanity. There is no single plot, but the music paints and enhances the scenes.  

Falvetti’s Il diluvio universale has been described as ‘something else’, something different. Here we find an ancient energy, the primordial power of Sicily. 

Helsinki Baroque Orchestra

The Helsinki Baroque Orchestra is the leading baroque ensemble in the Nordic countries, with a deep understanding of the music and performance practices of the period. Although the orchestra plays on period instruments, its approach to early music is always fresh.   

Program and cast

Conductor: Aapo Häkkinen

Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir
Helsinki Baroque Orchestra

Language: Italian

Surtitles: Finnish and English

The soloists will be announced later.

VIP/ ”Aitiolippu” is an all-inclusive service that provides the following:
- A private entrance to Olavinlinna Castle
- Seats in the Box of the Opera Festival, offering a good view to the stage and quick access during intermission
- A private space for VIP/ Aitiolippu guests before the performance and during intermission in the Central Hall
- Dedicated restroom facilities for VIP/ Aitiolippu guests
- Savonian delicacies, also known as “sapakset” during the intermission
- Greetings from the Opera Festival management during intermission
-A welcome package including the performance program and souvenir from the Opera Festival