Moomin and the Comet

Music specifically composed for the ballet by Panu Aaltio
Costumes by Anna Kontek
Set design by Samuli Juopperi, Anandah Kononen
Lighting design by Mika Haaranen

A two act full length classical ballet ballet, suitable for all ages above 4 years old. Moomin and the Comet is one of Tove Jansson’s earliest Moomin stories. All is not well in Moomin Valley, and Moomintroll and his friends decide to find out what is wrong. On their exciting journey, Moomintroll meets new acquaintances, and at the observatory he learns of the comet threatening their home. What will happen to Moomin Valley?

Anandah Kononen’s choreography brings this familiar, exciting tale to the world of ballet. Moomintroll and his friends are seen on the ballet stage, and even Moomintroll takes a dance step or two, although his body is not really suited to ballet. However, the characters encountered on the journey provide a generous helping of classical ballet! The ballet version follows the story of Tove Jansson’s book faithfully.

Comet in Moominland was a huge success with audiences in its first season, and its additional performances were also sold out. The production also gained notice in international media (e.g. BBC, CCTN, Swedish TV news). This production forms part of the FNB’s programme for the centenary of Finland’s independence.

Repertoire at Finnish National ballet: oopperabaletti.fi/en/repertoire/moomin-and-the-comet/

Reviews and media:

China.org: ‘Moomin’ ballet underway in Helsinki
http://china.org.cn/video/2015-03/17/content_35077316.htm

MTV3: Muumit nähdään ensimmäistä kertaa klassisen baletin pyörteissä
http://www.katsomo.fi/#!/jakso/449308?toista

BBC UK: The Moomin ballet is coming but you’ll have to go to Finland to see it
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/31520798/the-moomin-ballet-is-coming-but-youll-have-to-go-to-finland-to-see-it

YLE Nyheter: Så här dansar man balett i muminkostym
https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2015/03/06/sa-har-dansar-man-balett-i-muminkostym

HBL: Dansrecension: Också Mumin kan vara graciös
http://gamla.hbl.fi/kultur/recension/2015-03-08/730796/dansrecension-ocksa-mumin-kan-vara-gracios

HS: Muumeilla menee lujaa Oopperan lavalla
http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/tanssiarvostelu/art-2000002806752.html