SINGER – how to join?
The Aria Borealis Competition and the Boreallas side event offer choirs a variety of participation opportunities at the Helsinki Music Centre.
I FINAL CHOIR AND WORKSHOP
II BOREALLAS PERFORMANCE
III CHOIRS’ SEASON CONCERT PERFORMANCE
IV RÄPÄTÄTIIVI
/ Sun 4.10.2026 18.00
/ Music Centre, concert hall
ARIA BOREALIS: Final
The final is a semi-staged performance featuring theatrical elements. All eight singers selected for the live rounds will appear in both solo and ensemble performances. The orchestra is formed by the Finnish Baroque Orchestra and musicians from fellow Nordic baroque ensembles.
BOREALLS: Featuring
The Boreallas events bring together dozens of performers, facilitators, and speakers. Curious to know who they are? Take a look at the Participants page.
HELSINKI EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
HELSINKI EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL (HEMF)
In 2026, HEMF will feature the events of the Aria Borealis Competition, concerts, and numerous Boreallas side events.
ARIA BOREALIS
Aria Borealis is a vocal competition developed through Nordic collaboration. The competition’s semifinal marathon will take place on 2 October 2026 in the Paavo Hall of the Helsinki Music Centre, and the semi-staged final will be held on 4 October 2026 in the Concert Hall.
An outstanding group of singers has been selected for the live rounds:
- Josefine Mindus, soprano (Sweden)
- Antonia Ortner, soprano (Austria)
- Maija Rautasuo, coloratura soprano (Finland)
- Lucija Ercegovac, mezzo-soprano (Croatia)
- Virgile Pellerin, countertenor (France)
- Martin Höhler, tenor (Germany)
- Lucas Zuehl, bass-baritone (United States)
- Mari Aschehoug, soprano (Norway)
Tickets are now on sale. The eight singers selected for the live rounds are presented on the Aria Borealis website.
BOREALLAS
The vocal competition is surrounded by a lively programme of events. The pre-events and accompanying activities offer a wide range of free musical experiences, panel discussions, participatory art-making opportunities, and much more.
MORE: A BAROQUE SUPER AUTUMN
7 Sept – Arabia Hall & 10 Sept – Louhi Hall
JOHN BLOW: VENUS & ADONIS
Espoo Baroque, vocal students of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
11 & 12 Sept – Black Box, Music Centre
LA DORICLEA
Ensemble Nylandia & collaborators
18 & 19 Sept – Pannuhalli
ORPHEUS IN UNDERWORLD
Ensemble Nylandia & collaborators
8, 9 & 10 Oct – Almi Hall
SIELUTTARET (SOUL GODDESSES)
Finnish Baroque Orchestra & collaborators
BOREALLAS 1.-4.10.2026
SUMMER PRELUDE EVENTS | 30 May, 27 June, 4 July, 11 July and 18 July
SUMMER EVENTS ON THE MUSIC CENTRE TERRACE
The Boreallas Summer Prelude Events will take place as terrace events at the Helsinki Music Centre on five Saturdays at 5 pm. The programme features baroque music, folk music, and improvised opera created in the spirit of the Baroque era.
STREAM OF SOUND
A variety of performances, including musical moments in the foyer of the Helsinki Music Centre, will refresh the soul. The programme includes choirs, performances by masterclass participants, baroque dance, and presentations of community engagement projects by the Finnish Baroque Orchestra.
BELOW THE SURFACE
Panel discussions will explore topics such as class issues in opera, LGBTQ+ themes, and new approaches to creating baroque opera. In addition to opera, discussions will focus on Nordic collaboration and the roots of baroque music, folk music, and folk dance. Short talks will offer insights into subjects ranging from international radio interviews to concert promotion and touring. Featured speakers and artists include Marissa Mehr, Henna Tanskanen, Vera Plosila, and Thomas de Mallet Burgess.
AT THE SOURCE
Some masterclasses are open to the public. The courses are organised in collaboration with, among others, the Sibelius Academy and professional orchestras in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Choral singers are invited to join the 3D Final Chorus conducted by Justin Doyle.
IN THE BUBBLE
Open rehearsals offer a chance to experience the dynamics of the rehearsal process from within. Who says what, how, and to whom? A distinctive feature of the Aria Borealis Competition is that the singers are an integral part of the musical whole, developing their interpretations together with the orchestra musicians.
DIVE IN
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the Boreal Pool – whether by trying out dance steps or reimagining an opera. What if Mimì did not die, as she does in Puccini’s La Bohème?
BY THE STREAM
The festival venues, including the Helsinki Music Centre and the House of the Estates, are surrounded by the beauty of Helsinki. Juhani Styrman will guide a city walk that concludes with a concert.
HOT POOL
Artists’ leisure time includes coffee gatherings and informal socialising, perhaps by the poolside. Some of these informal artist gatherings will also be open to audience participation.