The 120th season of the Estonian National Opera has opened brilliantly

01.09.2025

At the Vana Tallinn Gala, the soloists and orchestra enchanted the audience with well-known compositions from operas from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as rare musical numbers that had not previously been performed on local stages.

“The Vana Tallinn Gala, being the longest series of classical music concerts in Estonia, creates the perfect conditions for presenting a brilliant repertoire of the best soloists to the public with its pleasant atmosphere,” said Ott Maaten, General Director of the Estonian National Opera.

The soloists are Mirjam Mesak (soprano), Jelena Bražnik (soprano), Kai Rüütel-Pajula (mezzo-soprano), Heldur Harri Põlda (tenor), Tamar Nugis (baritone), Dragutin Matić (baritone, Serbia) and Beatrice Macias (flute). The Estonian National Opera Orchestra was led by Kaspar Mänd. The host of the evening was the soloist of the national opera René Soom.

The gala concert featured hits from the old Tallinn Music Theatre inspired by Vana Tallinn liqueur, such as Iago’s aria from Verdi’s opera Otello, which was immortalized by Georg Ots, as well as gems from operas that had not previously been performed on local stages.

“Music and opera give the audience a unique experience and create moments that stay with us for a long time. I would like to thank the soloists and all the musicians who, with their talent and dedication, have made the Vana Tallinn gala evening truly special,” said Enn Kunila, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AS Liviko.

Liviko has been a major sponsor of the Estonian National Opera since 2012, and the Vana Tallinn Gala tradition began a year later. In addition to the Estonian National Opera, Liviko also supports the Art Museum of Estonia, the Estonian Artists’ Association, ERSO, Eesti Kontsert, the Estonian Writers’ Union’s novel competition and many other important cultural events.

Gallery: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bpah124htkn41b166a5wm/AOuH7LpmlKmdr2QLIWQmIIo?rlkey=xx0snel48h80sljd0gv8031xq&st=n7u4asrg&dl=0 (photographers: Erlend Štaub ja Rauno Liivand)