Adventure opera · Premiere in January 2029

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE

Two kingdoms.
Two loves.
One man who cannot save them both.

The Work

The largest naval battle in the Baltic Sea decided more than the fate of the war — it forced men to choose whom to betray.

When your homeland lies, who is the traitor — the one who obeys, or the one who refuses? Can you love your enemy if the enemy is telling the truth? When everyone demands loyalty, someone must betray.

Ruotsinsalmi, 1790. The largest naval battle in the Baltic tears apart an officer who loves two countries and two women — and cannot save them both.

Caught in a Crossfire is a new Finnish adventure opera. It takes you to Finland at the end of the 18th century, where Johan Ulanus realizes he serves a king who sacrifices his own men and lies about it to his people. The choice between homeland, love, and conscience leaves nothing untouched.

You are caught in a crossfire.

Authors

Composer

Tuomas Kantelinen

One of Finland's most internationally renowned contemporary composers. Kantelinen's music has been heard in cinemas and on opera stages around the world. Caught in a Crossfire is given a musical language that carries seamlessly from the concert hall to the streaming screen.

Librettist

Veli-Pekka Hänninen

Hänninen's texts reach the deepest parts of the human soul. At the heart of the work of this screenwriter, known from television and opera stages alike, lies the same recurring question: what remains when everything has been lost?

Director

Ville Saukkonen

One of Finland's most prolific and versatile directors. Saukkonen is known for compelling world premieres and classic works brought vividly to new life.

Cast

A distinguished ensemble of Finland's leading soloists. We will announce the names as casting is confirmed.

Partnerships

Join us in creating something that will endure.

Caught in a Crossfire is an adventure opera of international appeal, defined by its timely subject matter, high-quality and compelling libretto, globally captivating music, world-class creators, and a fresh artistic vision that brings these elements together.

The opera also aims to attract a new, younger audience and to help renew Finnish opera as an art form.

A partnership offers access to unique content and audiences — and a place in a work that will become part of history.

We are looking for partners for whom culture is more than a branding opportunity.

Get in touch

Sara-Alexandra Uusitalo

Producer, Marketing

+358 44 366 1677

Heikki Härö

+358 50 66 488

Kulttuurimajakka ry – Kulturfyren rf · Business ID 3166686-8

Funders

Svenska kulturfonden Teollisuusneuvos Reino Uusitalo Run Group Oy

Partners

Kymi Sinfonietta South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Ltd (XAMK)