International Aria Borealis Baroque Singing Competition (Semifinal)

The international Aria Borealis baroque singing competition is held for the second time in October 2026 in Helsinki. Eight singers from eight countries - ranging from coloratura soprano to bass-baritone - compete in both the chamber music semifinal on 2.10. and the final on 4.10.

In the semifinal, each singer performs a self-selected 20-minute programme. The performance order and detailed programme information will be published later at https://fibo.fi/konsertit/2026/aria-borealis-semifinaali/ You can already get to know the competitors at https://fibo.fi/etusivunuutiset/aria-borealis-kilpailun-finalistit/

The competition was created and is led by four orchestras from the Nordic Baroque Scene (NBS) network: Barokkanerne (Norway), Concerto Copenhagen (Denmark), Drottningholm Baroque Orchestra (Sweden) and Finnish Baroque Orchestra (Finland). The Helsinki production also features Floridante (Estonia). The winner of the first Aria Borealis competition in 2022 in Bodø was soprano Johanna Falkinger, who has since performed with Jordi Savall and Christina Pluhar, among others.

The jury consists of Emma Kirkby, Veerle Declerck, Justin Doyle and Jadran Duncumb. The competition is organized by Helsinki Early Music Festival, Musiikkitalo and Finnish Baroque Orchestra. In connection with the competition, Boreallas public events open to all are also held.

Competitors:
Maija Rautasuo, coloratura soprano (Finland)
Mari Aschehoug, soprano (Norway)
Josefine Mindus, soprano (Sweden)
Antonia Ortner, soprano (Austria)
Lucija Ercegovac, mezzo-soprano (Croatia)
Virgile Pellerin, countertenor (France)
Martin Höhler, tenor (Germany)
Lucas Zuehl, bass-baritone (USA)

Musicians from Nordic baroque orchestras / Finnish Baroque Orchestra

Schedule 2.10.
18.30-19.30 Part I (competitors 1-3)
20-21 Part II (competitors 4-6)
21.20-22 Part III (competitors 7-8)

Duration: 3 h 30 min (including two intermissions)

Tickets 25-40 €