Upcoming events

The 6th “Summertime” international music festival comes to Jūrmala

The 6th “Summertime” international music festival, organised by the Herman Braun foundation, will take place in Jūrmala from August 11 to 18.

The festival’s opening and closing concerts will both feature piano music by Frederic Chopin. A musical marathon dedicated to the composer will also take place on August 16, featuring performances by Vestards Šimkus, Dang Thai Sons, David Gazarov, and other pianists.

The festival will be preceded by a sacred music concert at Dubulti Evangelical Lutheran Church on August 11, featuring singer Inese Galante and organist Aivars Kalējs.
Links: http://www.dzk.lv/

The Sigulda Opera Festival

On the 7th and 8th of August, the estrade at Sigulda Castle will host the 19th International Sigulda Opera Festival.

On 7th August at 5pm, a gala concert will take place featuring Latvian soprano Kristīne Opolais, tenor Phillipe Do, tenor Juhan Tralla, soprano Dināra Rudāne, Bolshoi Theatre soloist Dainius Stumbras, Latvian National Opera soloist bass Krišjānis Norvelis and others, along with the Latvian National Opera Chorus and Orchestra.

On 8th August at 3pm, the castle's stage will host the concert “Mūzikli, kuri saviļņo", featuring performances by singers Dita Lūriņa, Juris Vizbulis, Mārcis Maņjakovs, Ilze Kozlovska, Solvita Moss and Mārtiņš Egliens, and music from the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra.
Links: http://tourism.sigulda.lv/public/eng/

Riga Festival to take place from 20-22 August

The traditional Riga Festival will this year be held in the capital from 20-22 August, featuring a wide range of events and concerts centering on the city's 11th November Embankment.

The festival will hold a mascot parade and a “cartoon” rally, and the “O!Karte” night run, open to anyone irregardless of age, nationality, physical condition or occupation. Music and literature devotees will be delighted by two-day events at the Vērmanes Garden Park, which will host performances by Riga traditional dance groups, the 1st Folk Festival “In the midst of Riga”, Book Street, traditional dance and puppy theatre workshops for children, demonstrations of traditional crafts and a fair.

This year's Riga Festival is organised by Riga City Council in collaboration with the Free Port of Riga, offering various events celebrating the 810th anniversary of the Riga Port on the River Daugava, the city canal, and in Old Town. The festival programme is available at the webpage www.rigassvetki.lv.

Riga museums open longer this summer

This summer, more than 20 museums in Riga have extended their hours on weekdays so that residents and tourists have ample time to visit the permanent expositions or shows. This in accordance with a request from the Ministry of Culture.

This in turn is a response to complaints from potential visitors that most museums are closed after the work day ends. Now, this has been altered, with many now open till 7 p.m. and even 8 p.m.

The 13th International Sacred Music Festival this August and September

From August 19 to September 4, the 13th International Sacred Music Festival will take place in Latvia, including seven special concerts by the “Latvia” National Academic Choir, conducted by Māris Sirmais.

Links: http://www.bilesuserviss.lv/