Finnish National Opera and Ballet

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is a national art institution, offering opera and ballet performances and other events to audiences of all ages. With guest performances, school operas, recordings and live streams as well as television and radio broadcasts, it delivers extraordinary experiences around Finland and the world. In terms of personnel, the FNOB is a medium-sized opera and ballet company. It has approximately 550 employees on its monthly payroll from 33 countries. This includes 58 singers (soloists and choir members), 86 dancers, and 104 orchestra musicians. In addition to this, the productions feature a large number of guest performers from Finland and abroad. Experts of different artisan trades, from shoemakers to metalworkers, also work at the Opera House. The FNOB generally stages four new opera productions and three new ballet productions each year. Added to these are revivals of old productions, resulting in a programme that is different every week and may include dozens of productions in the course of the year. The FNOB performs both established classics and contemporary opera and dance works, especially new Finnish works. The FNOB is the only professional opera company in Finland. It traces its history back to 1911; the Ballet was founded in 1922. The company occupied the tiny Alexander Theatre for decades until the purpose-built Opera House was finally inaugurated in 1993. The Main Stage seats more than 1300, and there is a studio stage too. The foyers are also used for small-scale performances and free public events.