Latvijas Nacionālā opera un balets opens its season with a gala concert highlighting young talent
According to reports from Latvian outlets including mbot.lv and jauns.lv, the Latvijas Nacionālā opera un balets (Latvian National Opera and Ballet) is opening its season in early September with a gala concert featuring both experienced soloists and emerging artists. LNOB board member Astra Irmeja-Šēfere stated, as reported by the primary source, that this year’s event places a special emphasis on young artists, praising their energy, talent, and courage as vital for the institution’s future. The opening production is supported by banka Citadele, with Private Banking head Kristaps Urpens noting the bank’s commitment to investing in cultural excellence and societal confidence.
Ballet repertoire and opening night performances
The first half of the concert focuses entirely on ballet, anchored by a diverse program of classical and contemporary choreography. According to the primary source, the evening opens with an excerpt from the ballet Raimonda choreographed by Aivars Leimanis. Emma Lagūna and Amirs Dodarhodžajevs are slated to perform the Diana and Actaeon pas de deux from Esmeralda, while Elza Leimane and Antons Freimans take on a duet from Edward Clug’s Carmina Burana. Additional excerpts from Juris Karlsons’ ballet Antonija #Silmači, also choreographed by Leimanis, will be performed by soloists Alisa Tomkoviča, Aleksandrs Osadčijs, Ringolds Žigis, Izabella Monastirska-Urtāne, and Eidens Viljams Konefrijs. Representing contemporary ballet, Alexander Ekman’s Kaktusi is also on the program. Conductors Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and Farhads Stade will lead the Latvian National Opera Orchestra for this portion of the evening, as detailed in the primary source.
Opera highlights and upcoming season previews
According to coverage shared across mbot.lv and jauns.lv, the second half of the gala shifts to operatic works that preview major upcoming productions for the new season. The program highlights Richard Strauss’s upcoming opera Rozes kavalieris (Der Rosenkavalier) and Giuseppe Verdi’s Masku balle (Un ballo in maschera). Additional musical selections include pieces from Giacomo Puccini’s Bohēma, Verdi’s Aīda and Nabuko, and Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Vocal soloists scheduled to perform include Inna Kločko, Jūlija Vasiļjeva, Jānis Apeinis, Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, Annija Kristiāna Ādamsone, Laura Grecka, Raimonds Bramanis, Artjoms Safronovs, Rinalds Kandalincevs, and Rihards Mačanovskis. The Latvian National Opera Choir and Orchestra will perform under the baton of conductors Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and Matīss Circenis.
Did you know?
According to the primary source material, this season’s gala marks the first time participants from the “Elīna Garanča. Baltijas jaunās balsis” program—specifically Gunta Greisle, Paula Mihailova, and Agneta Otaņķe—will perform on the Latvian National Opera stage, joining soloist Dainis Kalnačs for an excerpt from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Showcasing new voices and competition winners
Continuing a tradition of spotlighting emerging talent, the gala gives stage time to competition winners and young professionals. As reported by mbot.lv, Agate Grīnhofa—who earned a special collaboration award at the Jāzeps Vītols International Vocalists Competition and debuted in August as Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (Mīlas dzēriens)—will perform Giannetta’s solo from that opera. The concert itself will be hosted by Jolanta Strikaite-Lapiņa and Jānis Grūtups, according to verified reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Latvian National Opera and Ballet season open?
The season opens in early September with a gala concert in the recently revitalized Opera spaces, supported by banka Citadele.
Which operas are highlighted in the second half of the gala?
According to mbot.lv and the primary source, the program previews major new productions like Richard Strauss’s Rozes kavalieris and Giuseppe Verdi’s Masku balle, alongside classics like Puccini’s Bohēma and Verdi’s Aīda and Nabuko.
Who is conducting the orchestra during the event?
Conductors Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and Matīss Circenis are slated to lead the orchestra during the opera segment, while Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and Farhads Stade will direct the ballet portion.
What are your thoughts on this season’s repertoire and the inclusion of young artists on the historic stage? Share your comments below, explore our related articles on Baltic cultural events, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Worth a look