Akhnaten in the Alexander Theatre, the 4th of September, 2022

Finally, after numerous postponements, the production of Ooppera Skaala and Opera Box of ”Akhnaten” by Philip Glass was shown to the audience in the Alexander Theatre during the Helsinki Contemporary Opera Festival. I had already worried that due to other commitments it would never be shown and that would have been a true loss.  

The opera tells the story of the pharaoh Akhnaten in ancient Egypt. In the beginning pharaoh Amenhotep III has died and his son inherits the throne. The son abandons the religion of his father, founds a new monotheistic religion and starts to call himself Akhnaten. He marries Nefertiti and they get four daughters together. The supporters of the old religion start a rebel and kill the whole family except Nefertiti and the mother of Akhnaten. The throne is inherited by Tutankhamon. In the end, the archaeologists dig in Egypt.

Akhnaten is a brilliant opera. Ville Saukkonen’s direction was superb, Janne Lehmusvuo’s stage design and video projections were stunning and Kalle Paasonen’s light design finalized the perfection. Also, the dancers and the actor Mika Nikander in the role of Horus formed a perfect combination with the singers and the musicians.  

Glass’s music was almost hypnotic and Timothy Sexton’s arrangement of the music to a small orchestra of keyboard and percussion instruments was perfect (yes, I know I am repeating the word “perfect” a lot). The music based a lot on repetition, but it was not boring, but rather energizing.

Contrary to many other operas, this one did not have any subtitles, even though it was mostly sung in some other language than Finnish (languages of ancient Egypt) and often the singer just sung some vowel. But the absence of subtitles did not disturb at all, because the music itself was so great. The role of Akhnaten was sung by Hungarian countertenor Zoltan Darago and he was brilliant. His wife Nefertiti was mezzosoprano Essi Luttinen. The duet of counter tenor and mezzosoprano was absolutely fabulous! Additionally, I have to mention Ville Salonen, who sang the role of the high priest of Amon. His voice did break a few times in the highest notes, but he acted magnificently the role of the proud high priest. Superb job!

This opera and this direction I can with all my heart recommend to everybody if it ever will re-enter the stage. Fantastic production!