International Aria Borealis Baroque Singing Competition (Final)

The international Aria Borealis baroque singing competition is held for the second time, now in Helsinki in October 2026. Eight singers from eight countries - ranging from coloratura soprano to bass-baritone - selected from video auditions to the live rounds participate in the semi-final on 2.10. and the half-stage final on 4.10. You can learn more about the finalists at: https://fibo.fi/etusivunuutiset/aria-borealis-kilpailun-finalistit/

The final is built around the pastiche "The Fire of Change", compiled from Georg Friedrich Handel's operas and oratorios. Writer-director Aleksi Barrière has designed the work specifically for these competitors: the montage of scenes highlights Handel's interest in the psychology of change - love, grief, and resilience. The full programme for the final will be published at: https://fibo.fi/konsertit/2026/aria-borealis-finaali/

The jury consists of Emma Kirkby, Veerle Declerck, Justin Doyle, and Jadran Duncumb. The competition was created and is led by four ensembles from the Nordic Baroque Scene (NBS) network: Barokkanerne (Norway), Concerto Copenhagen (Denmark), Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble (Sweden), and Finnish Baroque Orchestra (Finland). Floridante (Estonia) also participates in the Helsinki production. The competition is organized by Helsinki Early Music Festival, Musiikkitalo, and Finnish Baroque Orchestra.

The first Aria Borealis competition was won by soprano Johanna Falkinger (Bodø, Norway, 2022). Following her victory, she has performed with Jordi Savall and Christina Pluhar, among others. In connection with the competition, Boreallas public events open to everyone are also held.