Our Country's Energy in Savoy Theatre, the 18th of May, 2018

I am pretty sure that if people were asked what kind of themes operas have, the answers would cover things like love, betrayal, hatred and violence. And mostly these answers would be correct, but fortunately it is possible to make an opera out of any theme. So there is no reason to be surprised that there is now a new opera, whose theme is Finnish energy policy. When I first heard about the opera “Maamme energia” (Our country’s energy), it was clear that I would buy a ticket. It was not possible to pass such a deliciously obscure opera theme.

Mikko Helenius had composed a perky little opera, where different music styles were nicely combined together. I was personally especially delighted with the parts that were composed in baroque style. Libretto was made by Rosa Meriläinen and the result was at times good, though occasionally there was a little too much preaching involved, though that often seems to be part of the energy debate.

The structure of the opera was a bit unusual. In the beginning there was a sort of introduction by Pekka Haavisto (MP), which concentrated on his personal memories on energy and energy policy in Finland. In the middle of the opera there were two five-minute debates between Ville Niinistö (MP) and Harri Jaskari (MP). Unfortunately these weren’t really proper debates, since there was absolutely no verbal fireworks involved and enlivening confrontation was also missing. So the debate was depressingly Finnish by nature.

Set and costume design of the opera was by Taina Relander. I wouldn’t call either of them impressive, but mainly just ok. Once again Ville Saukkonen had directed the opera, but this time the result was rather routine work.

The soloists of the opera were all experienced and that was seen in their acting, but their singing was not so spectacular. Suffice it to say that the best singer of the evening in my opinion was the cellist of the orchestra Anni Elif Egecioglu. But despite all, it was super fun to hear an opera, whose story was about the past of the Finnish energy policy and the possibilities we now have in front of us.  Energy rules!