On 13 August at 7 p.m.

A story of peaceful coexistence and harmony

We are living at a time of a united Europe, and the common denominator and anthem of this unity is the ‘Ode to Joy’. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is the summary of his work, the powerful final chord of a great path of growth, as well as a pioneer of the Romantic era, symbolising the quest to escape from darkness to light, the struggle between good and evil.

Conductor – Tõnu Kaljuste

Soloists – Mirjam Mesak, Kai Rüütel-Pajula, Alvar Tiisler, Heldur Harry Põlda (Estonian National Opera)

ERSO, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Latvian Radio Choir

The concert has no intermission and the length is 1 hour and 25 minutes

In 2023, Tõnu Kaljuste will be the artistic director of the event, and the festival will take place on 4–13 August. At the Birgitta Festival, the atmosphere of the convent’s location and the programme combining music and performing arts merge to form a whole.

Since 2005, the Tallinn Philharmonic Society has organised the Birgitta Festival every August in the opera house built in the ruins of Pirita Convent. It is a musical theatre festival that combines the dark charm of a mediaeval convent with state-
of-the-art modern musical theatre. Over the years, operas, ballets, staged oratorios, modern dance performances, musicals, and other musical theatre genres have been performed at the Birgitta Festival. Until 2016, the founder and
artistic director of the festival was maestro Eri Klas.
Almost 10,000 people gather in the ancient river bend every year to immerse themselves in the magical world of powerful sounds and spectacles for just a few days. They are attracted by the festive atmosphere, many happy meetings, and unique lighting solutions.

Programme:
4 and 5 August – comedy opera Crisis
8 August – opera Tristan und Isolde
10 August – an Ultima Thule / Riho Sibul 65 concert ‘Lennelda priiks’
11 and 12 August – chamber opera Clemency
13 August – Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

On 4 and 5 August at 7 p.m.

A story about the crisis of a small person in a big world

‘Crisis’ is a comic opera in which the main character – the renowned opera singer Barichello – finds himself in the middle of a personal crisis. In addition to losing his amazing voice, his family is also torn apart when he falls in love with a young pop musician, Madonna. Blinded by love, he ignores the warnings of oracle Orachello, and the crisis takes on ever greater proportions.

Composer – Timo Steiner

Author of the libretto – Andri Luup

Musical director and conductor – Tõnu Kaljuste

Director – Veiko Tubin

Set designer – Kristjan Suits

Soloists – Tamar Nugis (Estonian National Opera, Raiko Raalik (Estonian National Opera), Iris Oja, Maria Listra, Heldur Harry Põlda (Estonian National Opera)

Tallinn Chamber Orchestra

The performance consists of two acts, with one intermission. Total length, including the intermission: approx. 2.5 h; first act: 1 h; second act: 1 h.

On 8 August at 6 p.m.

A story of love stronger than death

The romance of Tristan and Iseult is a classic love story originating from mediaeval legends. It is a fairy tale that is larger than life and has inspired many poets, writers, artists, film and theatre creators. The story full of love, betrayal, and intense feelings is one of the best known and grandest works of Richard Wagner.

Composer and author of the libretto – Richard Wagner

Musical director and conductor – Risto Joost

Director – Liis Kolle

Artists – René Jõhve, Lilja Blumenfeld, Liis Kolle

Costumes – Lilja Blumenfeld

Soloists – Mati Turi, Aile Assony, Karmen Puis, Atlan Karp, Priit Volmer,

Simo Breede, Taavi Tampu, Oliver Kuusik, Rasmus Kull

The male group of the Vanemuine Opera Choir and the Vanemuine Symphony Orchestra

Three acts, two intermissions, length including the intermissions: 5 hours

On 8 August at 7 p.m.

A story about companions and for companions

The band Ultima Thule gave their first concert on 27 February 1987 at the Linnahall venue in Tallinn. Now, 36 years later, tribute is paid to the departed members of the band and all companions of the band over time.

Soloists – Tõnis Mägi, Vaiko Eplik, Tanel Padar, Robert Linna, Mikk Tammepõld, Marie Vaigla

Band members – Raul Vaigla, Kalle Vilpuu, Aare Põder, Toomas Rull, Robert Jürjental

The concert has one intermission and its total length is 2.5 hours.