Luther  O P E R A

Huge Success for Luther Opera in Minneapolis

An opera by the Finnish composer Kari Tikka on the great reformer Martin Luther was performed on the 25th, 26th and on the 27th of October 2001 in Minneapolis, USA at the Central Lutheran Church for 8000 persons. This English World Premiere of the opera was the centerpiece of Reformation Festival. It was a co-production of Luther Seminary, Augsburg College, Central Lutheran Congregation, Lutheran Brotherhood and of the Finnish National Opera. The public was overwhelmed by the beauty and strenght of the Opera, giving an instant standing-ovation.

The Finnish artists taking part in this production were the conductor-librettist Kari Tikka, the director-librettist Jussi Tapola, the set and costume designer Anna Kontek, her assistant Eija Mizohata and the soloists Esa Ruuttunen, Lassi Virtanen, Eeva-Liisa Saarinen, Merja Wirkkala, Aki Alamikkotervo and Andrus Mitt. They took with them the production of the Finnish National Opera premiered on the 8th of December 2000 at the Rock Church in Helsinki. This Finnish premiere was staged by Jussi Tapola, the costumes and the set designed by Anna Kontek.

The choirs and the orchestra for the English World Premiere came from the Twin Cities. The choir conductor was Peter Hendrickson and the producer Karen Coe Miller.

The English version of Luther Opera is based on Rodney Fletcher's translation. The lyrics are written by the artistic director of Reformation Festival, professor Gracia Grindal together with Kari Tikka and Jussi Tapola.

Luther Seminary, one of the leading American theological seminaries arranged a special Kairos seminary during the week of the premiere. Eminent professors from Luther Seminary and from Augsburg College were lecturing on the themes presented in the opera: Luther's life in the opera - why the three major battles? ( James Kittelson )   Luther between God and Devil ( Steve Paulson ) Luther at Leipzig with John Eck ( Mary Jane Haemig )   Luther and Anfechtung ( Hans Wiersma )   Late Medieval Life and the Dance Macabre, Totentanz ( Ken Jones )   Luther's Development of Catechism for Family Instruction ( James Nestingen )   Luther's Family      ( Mary Anderson )   The Bondage of the Will - Erasmus and Luther ( Steve Paulson )   Against the Heavenly Prophets. ( Steve Paulson)  The Hymns of Martin Luther and their place in the opera. ( Gracia Grindal )   Writing and composing the opera. ( Kari Tikka )   Peasants in late medieval life and why the Peasants' War. ( Mark Tranvik )   Review of the opera. Panel. ( Steve Paulson, Gracia Grindal, James Nestingen Et. Al. ) About 40 persons  participated in this most inspiring event.

Some immediate public comments: "Magnificient !"  "I'll buy the CD when it comes out"  "Could you supply me for the music for Grace Song, It is truly a beautiful piece of music. When sung by Esa Ruuttunen it is absolutely inspiring!" "A fabulous performance!" "So beautiful costumes!" "Your opera is truly inspiring and works in so many levels." "It's a song of hope!" "People just rave about it - the production, the story, the magnitude of the event!" "You did it!"

Before the American tour Luther Opera was performed in the medieval church of Espoo, Finland in the beginning of September 2001. Luther Opera has also been performed in the Tampere Cathedral and in the Seinäjoki Lakeuden Risti Church.

Almost 30 000 persons have seen Luther Opera in 4 years. The opera has been performed 28 times in three languages, in three countries, in seven churches !