The 19th edition of Estonia’s most enduring summer opera festival is set to open on 18 July in the historic courtyard of Kuressaare Castle. Running through 25 July, the programme will feature a mix of international and local talent, with the headline act this year being Italy’s Teatro Goldoni di Livorno. The 135‑member company; choir, orchestra and soloists, will bring a full‑scale production of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana to Estonian audiences, alongside a carefully curated Italian opera journey.
Headlining the Festival: Teatro Goldoni di Livorno
Priit Mikk, executive producer of the festival, underscored the significance of the Italian troupe’s visit: “Goldoni is one of Italy’s leading opera houses, and its appearance in Estonia after years of touring abroad is a landmark moment.” The company will perform not only Cavalleria rusticana but also Giacomo Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata, and Gaetano Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. A daytime performance of La traviata will be staged in the castle courtyard, allowing visitors to experience opera under the open sky.
The First “Ring” in Estonia
The festival’s opening production is the first part of Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle, Das Rheingold. This marks the first time the technically demanding opening of the tetralogy has been staged in Estonia, in a joint venture between Eesti Kontsert and the National Theatre Vanemuine. “Eesti Kontsert and Vanemuine have long discussed collaboration, and it is symbolic that we bring the first part of the Ring to stage this summer in Kuressaare,” said Eha Pank, director of Eesti Kontsert.
Family‑Friendly and Film‑Music Highlights
On 19 July, the children’s musical Sipsik, based on Eno Raud’s beloved book, will make its debut at Vanemuine. By 22 July, the Italian film‑music gala will feature celebrated composers Ennio Morricone, Nicola Piovani, Nino Rota and Alan Silvestri. These concerts underscore the festival’s commitment to both traditional opera and popular music heritage.
Midnight Lounge and After‑Party
Opera Royal’s midnight salon will host two performances by Livorno’s Gary Baldi Bros, a dynamic ensemble known for their “Trockadance” style that fuses 90s dance, Italo‑disco and international pop. Fans can extend their evening from the castle’s main hall to the midnight lounge for a full night of music and celebration.
A Legacy of Cultural Exchange
Since its inception in 1999, the Saaremaa Opera Days have grown from a modest gathering into a major international event, hosted in the medieval Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, which can accommodate roughly 2,000 listeners. In addition to its long‑standing partnerships with Estonia’s own Vanemuine and the National Opera, the festival has welcomed productions from the U.S., Russia, Germany, Poland, and more.
The 2026 festival promises an eclectic blend of high‑caliber opera, world‑class Italian talent, and unique cultural experiences—an essential event for any opera aficionado.
Full program is available on Saaremaa Opera Days website.
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