I recently attended Rahvusooper Estonia's Võluflööt (The Magic Flute) by W.A. Mozart, and it was, as always, a musical and theatrical highlight in the heart of Tallinn. Yes—the one with the famously challenging “Queen of the Night” aria that continues to captivate audiences and challenge sopranos. The performance offered a delightful experience with top-tier music direction by Arvo Volmer, stunning costumes, and dedicated vocal performances. However, not every element shone e

When we think of contemporary classical music, our minds often immediately jump to Western orchestral or electronic instrumentation—or experimental textures made from unconventional sounds. But in the event of Iranian Music Evening at Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia, the concert centered around a traditional Iranian instrument and gave us a compelling example of contemporary classical expression with deep cultural roots.

Orpheus in the Underworld—despite its name—is not a solemn myth retelling, but a riotous romp through gods, mortals, and music. Rahvusooper Estonia’s dazzling production lives up to Offenbach’s original spirit of irreverence, wit, and pure entertainment. Staged in Estonian with subtitles in both Estonian and English, this performance embraces the opera’s comedic chaos and turns it into a vibrant, feel-good spectacle.

Last week, I finally attended a performance I’ve been waiting for a long time—Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, staged by the Estonian National Opera (Rahvusooper Estonia). Yes, it’s the one with the famous wedding march, but this opera is far more than just that melody. It’s a monumental work of Romantic grandeur, and experiencing it live was unforgettable. The music was striking, the singers were nothing short of unbelievable, and the costume design was absolutely stunning.