The Baltic Opera Festival has revealed its lineup for the 2025 season, set to take place in Sopot and Gdańsk.
Richard Strauss’ “Salome” will feature Jennifer Holloway, Gerhard Siegel, Claudia Mahnke, Oleksandr Pushniak, and Omer Kobiljak in leading roles. The production, conducted by Lothar Zagrosek, is artistically overseen by Tomasz Konieczny.
Performances: July 11 & 13, 2025
Alek Nowak’s “Monster’s Voice” is scheduled for a single performance.
Performance: July 12, 2025
Krzysztof Penderecki’s “St. Luke Passion” will showcase Olga Bezsmertna, Adrian Eröd, and Matthias Goerne, with Bassem Akiki conducting and Barbara Wiśniewska directing.
Performance: July 12, 2025
Łukasz Godyla’s “Wòlô Bòskô,” conducted by Grzegorz Brajner, will feature Damian Wilma and Danuta Stenka in starring roles.
Performance: July 15, 2025
A masterclass for emerging singers, led by Olga Bezsmertna and Rafał Siwek, will culminate in a final concert.
Masterclass and Concert: July 10-16, 2025
In addition to the mainstage productions, the Baltic Opera Festival 2025 will offer a series of complementary events to engage audiences and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage. A special chamber music recital, featuring emerging talents from the masterclass led by Olga Bezsmertna and Rafał Siwek, will showcase arias and duets from classic and contemporary operas. This intimate performance will be held in the historic Sopot Art Gallery, providing a unique setting for opera enthusiasts.
Recital Performance: July 14, 2025
The festival will also host a panel discussion on the evolution of Polish opera, featuring composers Alek Nowak and Łukasz Godyla, alongside conductor Bassem Akiki. Moderated by a prominent musicologist, the event will explore the creative processes behind “Monster’s Voice” and “Wòlô Bòskô,” offering audiences deeper insight into these groundbreaking works. The discussion will be open to the public and followed by a Q&A session.
Panel Discussion: July 13, 2025
To engage younger audiences, the festival introduces a family-friendly opera workshop on July 11, 2025. Led by local artists, this interactive session will introduce children to the world of opera through storytelling, costume design, and short musical performances inspired by the festival’s repertoire. The workshop will conclude with a mini-performance by participants, fostering a love for the art form among the next generation.
Family Workshop: July 11, 2025
Finally, the Baltic Opera Festival will close with a gala concert on July 16, 2025, featuring highlights from the season’s productions. Conducted by Lothar Zagrosek and Grzegorz Brajner, the concert will include performances by select festival artists, such as Claudia Mahnke, Matthias Goerne, and Damian Wilma, alongside guest musicians from the Gdańsk Philharmonic. This grand finale will celebrate the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.
Gala Concert: July 16, 2025
Tickets for all events will be available starting March 1, 2025, through the festival’s official website and authorized partners. The Baltic Opera Festival 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community, bringing together world-class artists and local talent in the scenic settings of Sopot and Gdańsk.
