Her Voice Opera Anchors Tampere’s 60th Festival of Lights

The Tampere Festival of Lights opens on 23 October with Her Voice, a newly commissioned chamber opera, and the ten-day Flow of Equality light-art trail. The events mark the festival's 60th year and Finland's 120th anniversary of universal suffrage, City of Tampere said.

The opening ceremony in Koskipuisto Park at 7 p.m. will feature Her Voice, which tells the story of Hilja Pärssinen. Composer Minna Leinonen wrote the score, and Marika Vapaavuori provided the libretto and stage direction. Internationally acclaimed soprano Tuuli Takala sings Pärssinen, with 13-year-old Villa Murtagh as Toini. Orchestral parts were pre-recorded by the Tampere Philharmonic under Ruut Kiiski, while Tampere Opera's 50-member choir performs live alongside 50 dancers from Balettikoulu Hannele Suomalainen. Choreography is by Riikka Korpi. The production includes the festival's signature Dancing Waters on the Tammerkoski rapids.

From 23 October to 1 November the Flow of Equality trail will stretch from Koskipuisto to Kehräsaari each evening, presenting about ten local light-art works and interactive pieces such as Voting for Light at Vuolteentori Square and an Equality Market with organisations promoting inclusion. The trail builds on plans first announced in May for a Tammerkoski light-art route the Tammerkoski light-art trail announcement.

Other Festival of Lights sites include a major installation in Hervanta, illuminations in the Milavida area and the Light Gallery curated by Tampere Art Museum. All installations will remain on display until the end of February 2027. The festival closes on 1 November with the National Celebration of Gymnastics in Koskipuisto Park, a procession from Hämeenpuisto Park and a collective gymnastics and dance event produced by the Jumppatytöt Theatre Group. More details and a map will appear in the Tampere.Finland app.