presents The Red Line (PulIClinen Viiva) direct from Sadler's Wells Theatre. London Opera in two acts (sung in Finnish)
Music and words by Aulis Sallinen , based on the novel by ii.mari kianto Such was the enthusiasm of the British press contingent who attended the Helsinki premiere last December that the Finns amended their plans for this London visit to include tonight's British premiere.
The opera, set early this century, tells of the relentless struggle of a poor crofter and his wife against their hostile environment, symbolised by the bear that finally brings about his death; and also of their hopes for a better future under universal suffrage. Children: ilari angervo, SUSANNE HELASVUO, TUNA MIKKOI A FINNISH NATIONAL OPERA orchestra, leader mikko-VILLE LUOLAJAN-MIKKOLA FINNISH NATIONAL OPERA CHORUS, chorus - masters SERO ERKKILA and ALF NYBO conducted by OKKO kamu