The Riga Opera Festival concluded with a spectacular concert featuring local soloists and renowned international performers. Inga Šļubovska, Jūlija Vasiļjeva, Dainis Kalnačs, and Jānis Apeinis, along with the Latvian National Opera orchestra and choir conducted by Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, took the stage for a memorable evening of opera music.
The final concert aimed to showcase the hard work and talent of the soloists who have dedicated themselves to their craft throughout the season. “In the final concert, as always, we include some important things from what happened during the season. To show those soloists who have worked a lot,” said Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, the chief conductor of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.
The emphasis on local singers was evident in the concert program, and the audience was thrilled to witness their exceptional performances. Māris Ošlej, the director of the Latvija choir, praised the soloists and the opera choir, stating, “He showed his ability and ability very well, and I think everyone shows their abilities wonderfully. I’m very happy for my colleagues, the ability of the opera choir.”
The inclusion of local soloists was particularly significant, considering the challenges faced by the opera community in finding talented local performers. Ojārs Rubenis, chairman of the Latvian Theater Employees’ Union and a journalist, expressed his appreciation for the focus on local talent, saying, “I think it’s interesting that a lot of people are trying with local soloists because we don’t have the best situation now with local soloists. I like that. I think it’s good. May God hold on. I think we can be happy.”
In addition to the local soloists, the concert also featured the captivating voices of Turkish tenor Murat Karahan and Polish tenor Arnold Rutkowski. The program highlighted the melodic works of renowned composers Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the evening.
The concert transcended any specific time of year, as the beauty of the arias and the familiarity of the music touched the hearts of the audience. Ojars Rubenis summed up the sentiment, saying, “It doesn’t matter to the concert whether you come at Christmas, Easter, or Midsummer – the concert program is about the same, but the arias are so beautiful, and it’s all so familiar.”
The Riga Opera Festival ended on a high note, leaving the audience in awe of the exceptional talent displayed by both local and international performers. The event served as a reminder of the power of opera music to captivate and inspire audiences, and it showcased the incredible contributions of the Latvian National Opera and its dedicated artists.
How has the Riga Opera Festival contributed to the growth and recognition of the Latvian opera scene?
Lled to hear the familiar voices of Inga Šļubovska, Jūlija Vasiļjeva, Dainis Kalnačs, and Jānis Apeinis. These talented singers have established themselves as leading figures in the Latvian opera scene, and their performances did not disappoint.
The concert featured a range of operatic classics, including pieces from Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, among others. Each soloist had the opportunity to showcase their vocal prowess and emotional depth, captivating the audience with their powerful performances.
Accompanying the soloists was the esteemed Latvian National Opera orchestra and choir, conducted by the skilled Mārtiņš Ozoliņš. Their harmonious melodies and powerful crescendos added an extra layer of depth and grandeur to the evening.
The Riga Opera Festival has become a beloved tradition in the Latvian cultural calendar, and this year’s finale was a fitting end to a month-long celebration of opera. The festival not only offers a platform for both local and international talent but also serves as a testament to the thriving opera scene in Riga.
As the final notes echoed through the auditorium, the audience rose to their feet in thunderous applause, showing their appreciation for the incredible talent on display. The Riga Opera Festival had once again succeeded in bringing the joy and beauty of opera to the hearts of the Latvian people.
What a magical night filled with captivating performances! The combination of local and international soloists at the Riga Opera Festival left me in awe. The sumptuous evening of opera music was truly a treat for the senses, with each soloist shining in their own unique way. Bravo to all involved!