Saaremaa Opera Festival is one of the most prominent opera events in the Baltic Sea region. Organised by Eesti Kontsert since 2008, the festival is led by its artistic director, the internationally renowned opera bass Ain Anger.
The central venue is the medieval Kuressaare Castle, a scenic historical landmark on a beautiful island Saaremaa. Its courtyard and ancient walls form a summertime opera hall with a capacity of approximately 2,000 spectators.
The festival takes place during one of the last weeks of July each year. Every festival evening features a programme by a globally acclaimed guest theatre. Recent guests have included Teatro Goldoni di Livorno (2026), Daegu Opera House (2025) and Fundació Òpera a Catalunya (2024). In addition, the Estonian National Theatre Vanemuine presents Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen in instalments each year from 2026 to 2029. The festival traditionally closes with a youth opera.
Set on the beautiful summer island of Saaremaa, the festival offers breathtaking scenery and an atmosphere that enhances the drama and beauty of opera. It is cherished not only by Estonians but also by opera lovers from around the world, who come to enjoy this captivating experience.
Eesti Kontsert, the organiser of the festival, was founded by the state to promote classical music in Estonia. It is the country’s largest concert organiser and manages four major concert halls in Tallinn, Pärnu, Tartu and Jõhvi, welcoming more than 100,000 music lovers each year. The organisation is also home to the Estonian National Male Choir, the only professional male choir in the world
