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A big thank you to the supporters, performers, and dear guests of the Viljandi Summer Opera!
Photo memories from both evenings can be found in the gallery.

Viljandi Summer Opera 6.0

See you again in 2026!
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Viljandi Summer Opera program

VILJANDI SUMMER OPERA 6.0 OPERA GALA

from Verdi and Wagner
to Vikerlasteni

The Roman philosopher Seneca has said: „Res severum est verum gaudium“, which can be translated into English in two ways: “a serious thing is true pleasure” or “true pleasure is a serious thing.”

The dramatic and the comic interplay is the basis for this year’s Viljandi Summer Opera gala concert “From Verdi and Wagner to the Vikings”, centered on the powerful music of the great opera masters Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, alongside Estonia’s nearly century-old opera tradition. Evald Aava’s opera, Estonia’s first opera “The Vikings”, was staged in 1928.

Alongside grandiose scenes, humorous and beloved arias and ensembles from the operas of Gaetano Donizetti, Gioachino Rossini, Georges Bizet, as well as Estonian composers, will also be performed.

On stage are our finest soloists, who shine both in Estonia and on major international stages: Aile Asszonyi (Deutsche Oper Berlin, Oper Frankfurt, and the Bayreuth Festival), Elena Brazhnyk (Estonian National Opera), Monika-Evelin Liiv (Royal Opera House London, Estonian National Opera, Finnish National Opera, London Covent Garden), Heldur-Harry Põlda (Estonian National Opera), Rene Soom (Estonian National Opera), Priit Volmer (Estonian National Opera), the ÜENSO Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Mihhail Gerts.

  • Viljandi Song Stage
  • 20 June 2025, 8:00 PM
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VILJANDI SUMMER OPERA 6.0

Olav Ehala 75th Jubilee Concert

"Kirsiõite tolm"

We celebrate with a concert an important milestone in the life of a beloved composer and in the treasures of our musical culture. Olav Ehala has written countless songs, film, and theatre music that have touched the hearts of the people. At the Viljandi Summer Opera concert, music from his early creative period will be performed, including from the film Don Juan in Tallinn and the productions “Johnny” and “Thijl Ulenspiegel”. Also featured will be his more famous songs, this time presented in new and fresh arrangements.

The concert’s title piece “Cherry Blossom Dust” also comes from his earlier works and symbolizes the beauty of Ehala’s music and the creative process—because after the blossoms, cherries grow. In Olav Ehala’s case, these are “musical cherries,” which make up the essence of his creations.

On stage will be a large ensemble of outstanding Estonian soloists and groups: Hedvig Hanson, Mikk Tammepõld, Heidy Tamme, the vocal ensemble Estonian Voices, the mixed choir Noorus, the Viljandi Music School string ensemble, and the Estonian Dream Big Band. The concert’s arranger and conductor is Siim Aimla.

After the concert, a lively Summer Opera afterparty will continue at the Viljandi Song Festival Grounds, serving as the grand finale of Viljandi Summer Opera 2025.

  • Viljandi Song Stage
  • 21 June 2025, 8:00 PM
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Gallery 2025

Photos: Diana Unt / OÜ Photosound
Opera Gala photos
Olav Ehala Jubilee Concert photos

Gallery 2024

Photos: Kristjan Kivistik / kristjan@stuudio.eu / Stuudiopunkt OÜ

FAQ

The concerts take place at the Viljandi Song Festival Grounds. Most of the seats are located under the song arch, but the seats in the parterre section are not covered.

Dress politely yet comfortably, and according to the weather.

Filming and photographing the concerts is not allowed.

Yes, the concerts are easily accessible for people in wheelchairs. Wheelchair users can enjoy the concerts at the sides and center of the first rows in the parterre. To purchase tickets for a wheelchair user and their companion, please write to the following address:
info@piletitasku.ee

The concerts are recommended for children from the age of 12. A ticket is not required for an infant, but please note that if the child disturbs the concert, the organizer may ask the visitor to leave.

You are not allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the concert. On-site cafés will be open, offering a selection of beverages as well as both savory and sweet snacks.

Tickets can be purchased from
Piletitaskust. If the concert is not sold out, tickets can also be purchased on site. However, we recommend buying tickets in advance, as Viljandi Summer Opera is one of the most popular cultural events of the summer.

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