The Jūrmala Festival, a celebrated annual event showcasing Latvian and international talent, is set to return to the iconic Dzintari Concert Hall from July 15 to July 20. This year’s festival promises a diverse lineup of performances, blending classical music, contemporary dance, and innovative interpretations of conventional art forms.
The festival will kick off on july 15 with a grand opening by pianists Sergejs Osokins, Andrejs Osokins, and Georgys Osokins, accompanied by the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Guntas Kuzmas. The program will feature masterpieces such as Robert Schumann’s and Edvard Grieg’s romantic piano concertos, Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero” for three pianos, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s concerto for three pianos and orchestra. A highlight will be johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for four pianos in D minor, reimagined by George Osokin for three pianos and orchestra.On July 16,the festival will host the traditional “Born in Latvia” concert,uniting musicians of different generations on one stage. Esteemed artists like tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko, mezzo-soprano Zanda Švėde, cellists Ramon Jaffe and Polina Khlebnikova, and accordion virtuoso Ksenija Sidorova will share the spotlight with emerging Latvian talents. The Jurmala Festival Orchestra, conducted by Ainārs rubiķis, will provide the musical backdrop.
The barcelona Flamenco Ballet will take center stage on july 17, offering a fresh take on flamenco by blending traditional roots with jazz and contemporary ballet. Founded in 2017 by Catalan dancer David Gutierrez, the troupe has performed in nearly 40 countries, including the USA, China, and Grate Britain, earning acclaim for their innovative stage language.
July 18 will feature a double bill of performances. Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova will collaborate with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andri Poga,presenting works like Otorino Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and Antonín Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony. The evening will also mark the premiere of Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for accordion and orchestra. Later, jazz and bossa nova artist Luiz Mura will enchant audiences with a solo program, showcasing the Brazilian musical style that blends samba and American jazz.
The festival’s penultimate event on July 19, titled “the Final Concert. The Most gorgeous Opera Arias”, will feature a stellar cast including tenor aleksandrs Antonenko, soprano Inga Kalna, mezzo-soprano Zanda Švėde, and Italian bass Vittorio De Campo. The Jūrmala Festival Orchestra, led by conductor Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, will accompany the vocalists.
The festival will conclude on July 20 with a sunrise concert on dzintari beach, featuring Iveta Apkalna, the renowned organist known as the ”queen of the organ.” This serene performance has become a cherished tradition, offering a fitting end to the week-long party of music and art.
| Date | Event | Highlights |
|—————–|———————————————–|——————————————————————————-|
| July 15 | Opening Concert | Osokins pianists, Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, Schumann, Grieg, Ravel, Mozart |
| July 16 | “Born in Latvia” Concert | Antonenko, Švėde, Jaffe, Khlebnikova, Sidorova, Rubiķis |
| July 17 | Barcelona Flamenco Ballet | Innovative flamenco, jazz, and contemporary ballet |
| July 18 | Sidorova & Mura Performances | Respighi, Dvořák, Tabakova premiere, bossa nova |
| July 19 | “The Final Concert.the Most Beautiful Opera Arias” | Antonenko,Kalna,Švėde,De Campo,Ozoliņš |
| July 20 | Sunrise Concert | Iveta Apkalna,organ performance on Dzintari Beach |
The Jūrmala Festival continues to be a beacon of cultural excellence,offering audiences a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Don’t miss this remarkable celebration of music and artistry in one of Latvia’s most picturesque settings.
Editor: Could you tell us more about the festival’s opening concert on July 15? What makes it unique this year?
Guest: The opening concert on July 15 is truly special this year because it features the osokins brothers—Sergejs, Andrejs, and Georgys—performing together with the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Guntas Kuzmas. This collaboration is rare and promises an unforgettable musical experience. The program includes iconic works like Robert Schumann’s and Edvard Grieg’s piano concertos,Maurice Ravel’s “bolero” for three pianos,and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s concerto for three pianos and orchestra. A standout piece will be Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Four Pianos in D Minor, reimagined by Georgy Osokin for three pianos and orchestra.
Editor: What can audiences expect from the “born in Latvia” concert on July 16?
Guest: The “Born in Latvia” concert is a festivity of Latvian musical talent, bringing together artists from different generations. Esteemed performers like tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko, mezzo-soprano Zanda Švėde, cellists Ramon Jaffe and Polina Khlebnikova, and accordion virtuoso Ksenija sidorova will share the stage with rising Latvian stars. The Jūrmala Festival Orchestra, conducted by Ainars Rubiķis, will provide the musical backdrop, making this a heartfelt tribute to Latvia’s rich musical heritage.
Editor: The Barcelona flamenco Ballet performance on July 17 sounds intriguing. Could you elaborate on their style and what makes them stand out?
Guest: absolutely! The Barcelona Flamenco Ballet is known for blending traditional flamenco with jazz and contemporary ballet, creating a dynamic and innovative stage language. Founded by Catalan dancer David Gutierrez in 2017, the troupe has performed in nearly 40 countries, including the USA, China, and Great Britain. Their performances are celebrated for their energy, creativity, and ability to push the boundaries of flamenco while honoring its roots.
Editor: What’s unique about the double bill performances on July 18?
Guest: July 18 offers a captivating musical pairing.The evening begins with accordionist Ksenija Sidorova performing alongside the Latvian National symphony Orchestra under conductor Andris Poga. The program includes works like Ottorino Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and Antonín Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony, and also the premiere of Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for Accordion and orchestra.Later, Brazilian artist Luiz Mura will take the stage with a solo performance, showcasing the enchanting rhythms of bossa nova, a style that blends samba and American jazz.
editor: The final concert on July 19 focuses on opera arias. Who are the key performers, and why is this event a highlight?
Guest: The “Final Concert: The Most Lovely Opera Arias” is a highlight because it features some of the most celebrated voices in opera today. Tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko, soprano Inga Kalna, mezzo-soprano Zanda Švėde, and Italian bass Vittorio De Campo will perform under the direction of conductor Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, accompanied by the Jūrmala Festival Orchestra. This event promises a night of exceptional vocal artistry, showcasing timeless operatic masterpieces.
Editor: How does the festival conclude on July 20, and why is the sunrise concert so special?
Guest: The festival concludes with a serene and beautiful sunrise concert on Dzintari Beach, featuring organist Iveta Apkalna.Known as the “queen of the organ,” Iveta’s performance has become a beloved tradition, offering a peaceful and reflective end to the festival.The combination of her majestic organ music with the stunning natural backdrop of the beach makes this event a truly magical experience.
Editor: What makes the Jūrmala Festival a must-attend event for music lovers?
Guest: The Jūrmala Festival is a must-attend event because it blends diverse musical genres, world-class performers, and a picturesque setting. From classical masterpieces to innovative interpretations of flamenco and opera, the festival offers something for everyone. It’s a celebration of artistry and tradition,making it a unique and enriching experience for all attendees.