In April 2026, Leonard Bernstein’s monumental MASS will receive its Finnish premiere at Oulu Hall. Performed four times between 17–21 April 2026, this unique work combines texts from the Catholic Tridentine Mass—sung in three languages—with modern music theatre and dance, bringing nearly 300 performers to the stage. The production is directed and choreographed by performing arts professional Petri Kauppinen.
“MASS, true to its core theme, is a culmination of community. We get to realise that both artistically and in practice, with an enormous number of people and expertise drawn from different groups. The message of MASS is the power of shared vision. Through dynamic performing arts, the work moves against the current of individualism and disengagement,” says Kauppinen.
Originally composed for the 1971 opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington, MASS underlines Bernstein’s versatility. “For me, MASS is a blend of music theatre, musical, choral music, marching band, rock, blues, jazz… It’s an operatic and monumental work that leaves a profound impact on its audience,” describes Rumon Gamba, Chief Conductor of Oulu Sinfonia. Kasmir Uusitupa serves as Assistant Conductor, and Oulu Sinfonia performs as the main orchestra. The Lapland Military Band takes on the role of the marching band, and also blues and rock ensembles will occupy the stage.
Additional cast members have now been confirmed. The leading role of The Celebrant will be sung by Ville Rusanen, with Mari Palo (soprano), Aki Saarela (tenor) and Joonas Orrain (baritone) as other soloists. Finnish baritone Rusanen, acclaimed both at home and abroad, has performed with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Opéra de Lyon, Dutch National Opera, and Scottish Opera. Pro Finlandia Medal recipient Mari Palo, a frequent guest at the Finnish National Opera, is one of Finland’s most sought-after sopranos, whose repertoire ranges from classical lied and opera to lighter music. Aki Saarela is a versatile actor and singer who has performed leading roles in both operas and musicals. He is a long-time member of the Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir, and also known for roles in The Magic Flute and the musical Kinky Boots. Joonas Orrain has appeared at both the Savonlinna Opera Festival and the Finnish National Opera, as well as performing as a soloist with several symphony orchestras.
JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre will contribute three professional dancers to the production: Hanna Appel, Liisa Heikkinen and Verna Tainio. Each combines a diverse dance background with expressive physicality, rhythmic precision, and stage presence, having been selected for the production through audition. In the work, they appear as the Acolytes, figures who both serve and mirror the Celebrant’s actions, embodying his thoughts and emotions through movement. The Oulu University of Applied Sciences’ Dance Teacher Education programme also plays a significant role in the production, with their students’ multidisciplinary expertise forming the foundation of the stage movement.
The Street Chorus, together with the project and children’s choirs, play a pivotal role in the dramatic structure of MASS. The Street Chorus enhances the drama with rhythm and expression, provides contrast, and gives voice to the individual perspective. The mixed chorus, formed from Soma Ensemble and a project choir, as well as the Street Chorus, have been selected through auditions and are prepared by Choir Master Elina Kärki. The children’s choir of Teuvo Pakkala School’s music classes, trained by Choir Master Maria Viitasaari, also takes part.
Set design, lighting and video design are by Joonas Tikkanen, with Ilkka Herkman as sound designer and Iida Ukkola as costume designer.
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture for the year 2026. MASS is part of the Oulu2026 cultural programme and cultural climate change. MASS will be produced in co-operation with Oulu Sinfonia, JoJo – Oulu Dance Centre, Oulu University of Applied Sciences and Lapland Military Band.
Permission given by Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Limited
Text: Oulu Sinfonia
Leonard Bernstein: MASS
Fri 17.4.2026 at 18:30
Sat 18.4.2026 at 15:00
Mon 20.4.2026 at 12:00
Tue 21.4.2026 at 18:30
Oulu Hall
Performers
Ville Rusanen The Celebrant
Mari Palo soprano
Aki Saarela tenor
Joonas Orrain baritone
Dancers
Hanna Appel
Liisa Heikkinen
Verna Tainio
Oamk Dance teacher students
Street Chorus
Soma Ensemble and Project Choir
Music Classes of Teuvo Pakkala School
Lapland Military Band
Oulu Sinfonia
Authors:
Music Leonard Bernstein
Text Leonard Bernstein, additional texts by Stephen Schwartz
Libretto translation Juhani Koivisto
Direction and choreography Petri Kauppinen
Conductor Rumon Gamba
Assistant Conductor Kasmir Uusitupa
Choir Master Elina Kärki
Choir Master, children’s choir Maria Viitasaari
Set design, lightning and video designer Joonas Tikkanen
Sound design Ilkka Herkman
Costume design Iida Ukkola
Repetiteur Outi Nissi
Concert program
Leonard Bernstein: MASS (Finnish Premiere)