Helsingin Koominen Ooppera (Comic Opera Helsinki) is a new opera house that is based on international collaboration, networking and touring - and more and more in digital and immersive opera concepts.
Since our founding year 2016 we have focused especially on bringing new or undiscovered operas to Finland, and are keen to find international co-production partners via Opera Europa.
Founded by Laura Åkerlund, who has worked in different opera houses and independent opera productions since 2013 especially in Germany, noticed that Finland was lacking in an opera house that focused especially targeting programme for younger generations and opera newbies. In this task the Helsingin Koominen Ooppera has succeeded, such as achieving to get 70% under 20s audience in 2017 with co-production of Vixen with Silent Opera (UK), and marketing for younger audiences on social media.
CEO & Artistic Director Laura Åkerlund worked in 2019 - 2020 as Head of Dramaturgy and part of executive team in Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, invited there by General Intendant Peter Spuhler, simultaneuosly training the leading of a large organisation. "I am very grateful for the experience and the possibility to learn about the work of an Intendant in a large German opera house" - Åkerlund.
Helsingin Koominen Ooppera has not made new productions due to Covid in recent years, and is starting it's operations again in 2022.
Helsingin Koominen Ooppera operates mainly in the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, and other uses other venues for immersive or digital productions.
instagram.com/koominenooppera (@koominenooppera)
