The experimental Hydropower Plants series explores the harnessing of the rivers from the 19th century all the way to this day. Performances will spread to the vast area in Northern Finland from Suomussalmi to Muhos, and you can even experience shows at the bottom of the river!
The experimental series aims to create a new kind of opera by combining video, word, visual arts, and music with the distinctive look, history, and themes of hydropower. The power plants of river Oulu were one of the most important construction projects of the reconstruction period after World War II in Finland. The entirety has been classified as nationally significant constructed cultural environment.
The series and the artists in it are supported by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Oulu2026 Foundation, The Finnish Culture Foundation, Kone Foundation, The Alfred Kordelin Foundation and Teosto.
Hydropower Plants in 2026
The Silk Butterfly – monologue opera
Seitenoikea hydropower plant, Jokilehdontie, 89400 Hyrynsalmi
Thu 28.5.2026 at 15:00-16:00 (dress rehearsal)
Thu 28.5.2026 at 18:00-19:00
Fri 29.5.2026 at 15:00-16:00
Fri 29.5.2026 at 18:00-19:00
Sat 30.5.2026 at 15:00-16:00
Sat 30.5.2026 at 18:00-19:00
The Water Ritual – participatory performance about the kinetic energy and the circulation of water
Wed 15.7.2026 at 18:00-19:00, Montta beach, Muhos
Thu 16.7.2026 at 18:00-19:00, Pälli beach, Muhos
Fri 17.7.2026 at 18:00-19:00, Utajärvi beach, Utajärvi
Sat 18.7.2026 at 15:00-16:00, Metelinniemen uimaranta, Paltamo
su 19.7.2026 klo 15:00-16:00, Jätkänsaaren uimaranta, Suomussalmi
Free entry
Pyhäkoski – experimental opera with saxophone quartet and electronics
Pyhäkoski hydropower plant, Leppiniementie 569, 91430 Muhos
Thu 27.8.2026 at 15:00-16:30 (dress rehearsal)
Thu 27.8.2026 at 18:00-19:30
Fri 28.8.2026 at 15:00-16:30
Fri 28.8.2026 at 18:00-19:30
Sat 29.8.2026 at 15:00-16:30
Sat 29.8.2026 at 18:00-19:30
De profundis: Variation II – A multidiscplinary show-installation-performance-sculpture-concert-project
Sat 29.8.2026 at MULF – Muhos Lifestyle Festival
Ala-Utos + Liederkreis-Oulujärvi = Double bill by a power plant
Fri 11.9.2026 at 20:30-21:15, Aittokoski hydropower plant, Emäjoentie 84, 89600 Suomussalmi
Sat 12.9.2026 at 20:30-21:15, Pälli hydropower plant, Repokankaantie, Muhos
Free entry
Like a wave, river – opera for performance artist, female choir and electronics
The surroundings of Jylhämä hydropower plant, Jylhämäntie 281, 91710 Jylhämä
Sat 19.9.2026 at 18:00-19:30
Sun 20.9.2026 at 15:00-16:30
Fri 25.9.2026 at 18:00-19:30
Sat 26.9.2026 at 18:00-19:30
Sun 27.9.2026 at 15:00-16:30
Hydropower plants in 2024
Ala-Utos – experimental opera film
Liederkreis-Oulujärvi – visual concert
Hydropower plants in 2023
Liederkreis-Oulujärvi – visual concert
De profundis: theme and variations
Silkkiperhonen – audio work
Kuin aalto, joki – performance
Jokijuhla – mediawork
Paperin työt – installation essay and stage poetry
