Website: http://www.oik.no

Date: February 2 to 18, 2012
Country: Norway

Translated as the opera weeks, Operafestukene is a 17-day opera gala hosted along the western coast of Norway during the month of February. The festival takes place in the Nordmøre district of Møre og Romsdal county in the small town of Kristiansund which is the administrative center of the municipality. Known as a recognized opera city, Kristiansund congregates Norway’s oldest opera festival, which was established in 1928 by Edvard Bræin, a Norwegian choir and orchestra composer and conductor. Each year several of Norway’s most dedicated musicians come together with local talented artists resulting in full-scale opera, operettas and musicals. Not only does this city offer free performances in cafes, restaurants and shopping malls in addition to the concert events but also a candid picture of exceptional coastal architecture that survived bombings from World War II.

In 2012, guests are invited to not only enjoy concerts with local mezzo and tenors but also experience the music of Nils Olaf Dolven in the premiere of The Alchemist, an opera in two acts based on the famous book by Paulo Coelho about a man who is not ready to settle down just yet. Another spotlighted opera to be performed in the 2012 edition of the Kristiansund Opera Festival is Charles Gounod’s Faust, a German legend about a dissatisfied successful scholar who makes a deal with the devil.

Website: http://www.operalaspalmas.org

Date: February 27 to June 24, 2012
Country: Spain


Established in 1927 as a tribute to the internationally distinguished Spanish tenor, the festival is held on the Canary Islands every year. Taking place at Kraus’ birth place, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s warm sun, blue sea and exceptional historic legacy are unfolded before guests. The first-class opera productions featuring world renowned artists inside the grandeur of concert halls are well-matched by the city’s unique multi-ethnic culture outside opera houses.

The curtains of the 2012 edition will be lifted upon Bizet’s Carmen, with soloists Nancy Fabiola Herrera, Aquiles Machado and more. Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi will be jointly presented by Daniela Barcellona, Yolana Auyanet and more artists. The spotlight will also be on Verdi’s Rigoletto and Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de Perles, featuring Alberto Gazale, Nino Machaidze, Juan Diego Florez and many more international musicians.

Website: http://www.aalborgoperafestival.dk

Date: March 2 to 15, 2012
Country: Denmark

Since its first reception in 2001, the event has become the largest opera festival in northern Europe promoting Aalborg as a cultural hub. Aiming to reach out to a wider audience base, the festival features opera performances in unconventional locations such as city factories, canteens and pedestrian streets aside concert halls and theatres. Located at the famous university city in North Jutland, guests will be embraced by a rich cultural ambience amidst grandeur of historical architecture, including the Aalborghus Castle and Budolfi Church. Be sure to also check out its modern glamour- best represented by the famous Aalborg Tower and Kunsten Museum of Modern Art and more attractions.

In the 2012 edition, Verdi’s Aida will be presented by Kiev State Opera under Vladimir Koschuchar’s baton. Opera i Provinsen will perform Verdi’s Otello. Wagner’s Götterdämmerung will be presented under James Levine’s conducting, with soloists Deborah Volgt and Gary Lehman. Gerhard Lagrange will conduct The Thalia Theatre Wien to perform operetta The Merry Widow, featuring Frank Schäfer and Michael Suttner. Den Jyske Operas Kor will team up with Aalborg Symfoniorkester to present Mozart’s Don Juan- more exciting programmes await.

Website: http://www.tokyo-harusai.com/program_e/index.html

Date: March 16 to April 8, 2012
Country: Japan

Founded in 1994, the event has stood as one of the most characteristic music festivals of Japan featuring various solo, vocal, ensemble and orchestral performances under its exclusively spring setting. Located at the famous Ueno Park, guests will be embraced by flourishing cherry blossoms and joyous music in the air. As one of the rarest and most spectacular spaces for art in the world, the festival presents distinctive performances featuring world class musicians- certainly a perfect recipe of celebrating the beginning of a new year.

In the 2012 edition, Ádám Fischer will conduct the NHK Symphony Orchestra and Tokyo Opera Singers to present Wagner’s Tannhäuser in concert style, with Stephen Gould as Tannhäuser, Petra-Maria Schnitzer as Elisabeth. Vocalists like Elisabeth Kulman, Markus Eiche, Ain Anger, Gergely Németi, In-sung Sim and more will also be under the spotlight.

Website: http://www.operahollandpark.com

Date: June 7 to August 13, 2011
Country: United Kingdom

Opera Holland Park is now calling for opera lovers who is seeking a different musical journey with a closer contact with nature! With City of London Sinfornia as the festival orchestra, the event will showcase a range of opera classics including Puccini’s La rondine, Verdi’s Rigoletto, Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz just to name a few. Audience will be ensured productions of high artistic quality. Whilst staging established vocalists from around the globe, young vocal talents will also be under the spotlight. Be sure to check out the nearby bars and restaurants for fine-dining!

Website: http://www.ifordarts.co.uk

Date: June 10 to August 13, 2011
Country: United Kingdom

Hailed by The Times as “Hugely atmospheric”, one can hardly resist the breath-taking elegance of the garden of Iford Manor. Upon entering the classic architecture in beige stone surface decorated by bunches of purplish flora, it is as if one has travelled back to the past. Imagine enjoying heavenly music performances in such a setting- a superb sensation indeed. As a charitable event, the festival hopes to develop and maintain public education and the appreciation of the performing arts.

Website: http://www.longboroughopera.com

Date: June 16 to July 30, 2011
Country: United Kingdom

If you are a Wagnerian enthusiast, this festival is going to satisfy your musical desire. First started as Banks Fee Opera in 1991, the festival has remained one famous ‘country house’ opera company ever since. The festival’s exclusive commitment to Wagner’s repertoires is undoubtedly a catchy attraction. The festive mood of musical grandeur will be accompanied by the finest dining in featured gourmet restaurants- certainly an exceptional treat for both the ears and palettes.

Website: http://www.musik-theater-schoenbrunn.at

Date: July 14 to August 15, 2010
Country: Austria

The Festival is held at Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence in Vienna. It aims to present operatic works with high standard, and to provide performance opportunities for rising talents.

Website: http://www.arena.it/

Date: June 17 to September 3, 2011
Country: Italy

When you think of an ancient Italian arenas you instantly connect it with gladiators. That is a right picture except now the ‘gladiators’ play you beautiful classical opera repertoires instead of fighting beasts. The less hysteric activity will surely reduce the wild flavor of arenas to a peacefully cultural appreciation. First time experiencing opera sensations like this? You are not alone- there will be several debuts in this year’s edition as choreographers, conductors, directors perform for the first time in the greatest outdoor stage in the world. Book your tickets now!

Website: http://www.wolf-trap.org/Opera

Date: June 17 to August 13, 2011
Country: United States

Choosing to spend your vacation at Wolf Trap Opera is never going to be a trap. Since its first appearance on the international music scene 40 years ago, the festival has urged to provide opportunities for young people to experience the demands of a professional career in the performing arts. Now it has become one of the nation’s most highly regarded residency programs for emerging operatic talents. With a few hours’ drive from Washington D.C., you will find yourself in a hidden paradise with beautiful voices of young artists.