Episode 180 Karita Mattila
Karita Mattila Photo: Marcia Rosengard
Karita Mattila continues to captivate audiences worldwide in a career spanning more than four decades. The Finnish soprano is celebrated for her compelling dramatic portrayals and acclaimed interpretations of 20th-century and contemporary repertoire.
In 2026/27, Karita returns to Finland for an opening concert with the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, an 80th Anniversary Gala with the Tampere Philharmonic, and continues with debuts at the Verbier Festival in Salome, as Herodias, and the Sarasota Opera in Jenůfa, as Kostelnička.
Last season, Karita appeared in the closing concert of the Sibelius Festival in Lahti and a recital in Iitti, Finland, and led masterclasses at the Finnish National Opera. She also returned to the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and the Dresdin Philharmonie for concert performances of Elektra, as Klytämnestra.
Her distinguished career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of the Lion of Finland (First Class Commander), Musical America’s Musician of the Year, the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, and the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for her performances in Jenůfa (Kostelnička) and The Makropulos Case (Emilia Marty).
Karita Mattila studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki with Liisa Linko-Malmio and later with Vera Rózsa. A sought-after mentor, she has recently led masterclasses at the Peabody Institute, Lauluakatemia Helsinki, the Birgit Nilsson Museum, Wigmore Hall in partnership with the Sibelius Academy and Keval Shah, and Savonlinna Music Academy.
