Good to know
Map of Savonlinna
The Castle auditorium
The Olavinlinna auditorium seats 2,257 and has facilities for three normal-sized wheelchairs. Section A rises from row 8, section B from row 12 and section C from row 11. All the rows in section D rise.
The box seats 96 and the box tickets include refreshments during the first interval and a welcoming session (with refreshments) in the Castle foyer at 18.30.
The orchestra is in a pit in front of the stage.
The performances are held in the main, covered courtyard.
Arrival at performances and latecomers
The opera performances begin at 19.00. Please take your seat in Olavinlinna Castle at least 15 minutes before the start of the performance.
Latecomers will have to wait until the first interval in order to be admitted.
Dress
The Festival has no official dress code but please remember that Olavinlinna is a medieval castle. The courtyard can be cool even on a summer evening, so bring warm clothing with you. The Castle passages and floors are very uneven, so wear stout shoes.
Photographing and smoking
Photographing, recording and smoking are prohibited during the performances, and mobile phones must be switched off.
Surtitles and language of performance
Operas are performed in their original language. The auditorium has a surtitling facility that may not be fully visible from every seat. The surtitle translations of the sung texts are in Finnish and English. The sets of some operas may obstruct the view of the stage from some seats.
Pre-opera talks
Savonlinna Summer University and the Savonlinna Opera Festival arrange pre-opera talks in Finnish at the Wivi Lönn Hall, Puistokatu 5. These talks, which are open to anyone, begin at 17.00 and last about an hour. The price per talk is €6. Groups are asked to book in advance at Savonlinna Summer University, tel. +358 15 555 0853, www.savonlinnankesayliopisto.net.
Speakers 2012:
Minna Lindgren, editor
Uljas Pulkkis, composer
Tapani Länsiö, composer
Jan Granberg, MA.
Refreshments in the Castle
There are several Olavinlinna Restaurant points in the Castle selling refreshments before and after the performance and during the interval(s). Refreshments are also on sale at a number of points in the Castle courtyard, the biggest in the foyer beneath section A of the auditorium.
Groups are advised to book their refreshments in advance from the Olavinlinna Restaurant, tel. +358 15 533 747, e-mail olavinlinna@fazer.com,
Disabilities
The Castle auditorium has provision for three wheelchairs. Wheelchair seats can be booked beforehand at the Festival Office, tel. +358 15 476 750, info@operafestival.fi.
Young children
The presence of young children in the Castle auditorium may be a trial both for the children themselves and for other members of the audience. Children attending Opera Festival events must have their own tickets. The age recommendation for the children’s operas is six years or more.
There are a few booster cushions availabel from the ushers.
Parking
There are several car parks in the centre of town near the Castle, such as on Punkaharjuntie, Malminranta, Tottinkatu and Koulukatu. Visitors can also use the multi-storey car park at the passenger harbour end of Tottinkatu.