Vickan & Väinö in Alexander Theatre, the 17th of October, 2019

I am a great supporter of children’s operas, since I believe that children also have a right to find the wonderful world of opera and it may not be the best idea in the world if they start with a five-hour Wagner opera. So, I was really happy when I heard that Alexander Theatre in Helsinki will show a new children’s opera called “Vickan & Väinö” in two languages (Finnish and Swedish).

The opera takes place in the 1840’s Helsinki and it tells about a Swedish mouse (Vickan) and a Finnish mouse (Väinö), who happen to see when a competitor steals some drawings from architect Carl Ludwig Engel. The quick-witted mice pinch back the drawings and return them to Engel.

Opera was mostly performed in two languages, which means that most of the lines were repeated in the other language, too. Sometimes the “interpretation” was a bit late, but how wonderful it was when a Finnish speaking child figured out herself what Vickan said in Swedish! Actually the operas was almost in three languages, since Mr Engel sometimes spoke/sang in German!

The composer Cecilia Damström had written some riveting melodies and Marina Motaleff-Kelly’s libretto and direction were child-friendly. At least the younger lady sitting next to me seemed to fully enjoy the action on stage.

Tarmo Tanttu had designed really charming costumes and sets. The stage set was breathing the atmosphere of 1840’s Helsinki and especially mouse-maid Vickan’s hat/ears combination was absolutely lovely. And the seagulls were magnificent with their croaks!

The accompaniment of the opera was by accordion. Janne Valkeakoski created stunning emotions from his accordion and it was great to be reminded what a versatile instrument it really is. Even the adult audience almost started to chew their fingers when the accordion began to sigh a bit threateningly.

Soprano Hedwig Paulig sang the role of Vickan, tenor Ville Salonen was Väinö and baritone Aku Rantama sang the role of Carl Ludwig Engel (they all had some smaller roles, too). I felt that all the singers fit the genre, but perhaps Ville Salonen was a bit more my favourite.  

The opera had performances during three days Helsinki, but it will be performed also in other cities, so keep your eyes open, if you want to see it!