At the opening concert, we welcome you to five days of opera at the red square with easily accessible repertoire, hand-picked by the festival’s artistic director, Amy Lane.

Even without any prior knowledge, you will be able to hum along to a broad range of

opera ear-worms: Addictive melodies that over time have become part of our common musical DNA. Listen to wonderful arias and duets from composers such as Puccini, Verdi and Humperdinck. In addition, Tchaikovsky and Wagner will also enrich the programme.

These opera treats are performed by nine star soloists including the Danish soprano Helle Gössler, British mezzo-soprano Sarah Pring and the Icelandic baritone Hrólfur Sæmundsson and they can also be seen in the free performance of Puccini's one-act opera, Il Tabarro, the following evening.

We also welcome to the stage, Yana Kleyn, whom we are proud to present as Opera Talent of the Year.  Come and hear the Danish-Russian soprano and experience a taste of her most beautiful and luscious soprano voice. We are also delighted that the sought-after concert pianist, Ulrich Stærk, will be the binding force of our opening concert.

The bar is open, so come and raise a glass with us and experience some truly magical moments.

The concert is free, like the rest of the Festival Stage programme.