According to the Latvian National Opera (LNO), Estonia’s Vanemuine Theatre from Tartu is bringing a series of guest performances to the LNO stage in Riga on August 28 and 29, featuring contemporary dance, classical music, and opera.
Vanemuine Theatre Brings Arvo Pärt Tribute and Handel Opera to Riga
On Friday, August 28, at 19:00, the Vanemuine Theatre will present “Maza lūgšana. Veltījums Arvo Pertam” (A Little Prayer: A Tribute to Arvo Pärt), a dance, music, and theater production created by Czech choreographer and director Petr Zuska, according to LNO coverage. According to the official LNO source material, the production explores themes of life, death, love, faith, truth, peace, and freedom through a selection of the composer’s masterworks such as Fratres, Mein Weg, Kanon Pokajanen, and Spiegel im Spiegel. The performance features dancers Merlin Kivi and Ingmar Jõela alongside the Vanemuine Ballet, opera choir, and symphony orchestra, with sets by Daniel Dvoržák, costumes by Pavel Knolle, and lighting by Margus Vaigur.
On Saturday, August 29, at 19:00, the stage will host George Frideric Handel’s opera “Jūlijs Cēzars” (Giulio Cesare in Egitto). According to the news reports, Estonian director Elmo Niganen frames the story of power, political intrigue, and romance between Cleopatra and Caesar with theatrical splendor and dynamic staging. Costume designer Kristīne Pasternaka designed the wardrobes for the opera. Vanemuine Theatre musical director Risto Joost will conduct the orchestra for both evening performances. Tickets are priced between 18 and 27 euros and are available via Opera.lv.
Chamber Music Series Highlights Beethoven and Vasks at Zuzeum Museum
The Sinfonietta Rīga chamber orchestra is hosting a multi-day chamber music series at the Zuzeum Museum from August 27 to August 29, with tickets ranging from 15 to 25 euros through the Biļešu servisa network. On August 27, violinist Vineta Sareika and pianist Reinis Zariņš will perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s compositions. The following day, August 28, the program shifts to works by Agra Engelmaņa, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Johannes Brahms. On August 29, the Sinfonietta Rīga wind quintet will present a family-friendly program for children and parents, while the concert series concludes with an evening dedicated entirely to the music of Pēteris Vasks.
The Sound Poets Bring Poetic Melancholy to Mežaparks Green Theatre
Local band The Sound Poets will perform at the Mežaparks Green Theatre on Saturday, August 29, starting at 19:00. Billed as an ideal soundtrack for the final days of summer, the concert will showcase the group’s signature poetic melancholy alongside tracks from their new album Katram kuģim savs ceļš. Tickets cost 35 euros and are available through the Biļešu servisa network.
Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Film “Pēdējie dzīvie” Premieres in Latvian Cinemas
According to reported film listings, Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic science fiction film “Pēdējie dzīvie” (adapted from Peter Heller’s 2012 novel The Dog Stars) opens in Latvian cinemas on August 27. The narrative follows survivors navigating a world decimated by a virus, facing environmental devastation and marauder attacks. The primary cast includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Guy Pearce.
LNSO Festival “Vasarnīca” Spans Riga and Rēzekne
The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO), led by conductor Andris Poga, will perform at the Riga Congress House on Friday, August 28, at 19:00. The program features Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto—with Estonian violinist Hanss Kristians Āviks as the soloist—and Gustav Mahler’s Seventh Symphony. On August 29 and 30, this programming moves to the Latgale Embassy Gors in Rēzekne as part of the LNSO’s “Vasarnīca” festival. The two-day Rēzekne lineup includes a children’s production, a chamber music evening, and a collaborative concert featuring the LNSO, the Latvian Radio Big Band, and the State Choir Latvija performing music by Raimonds Pauls. Tickets range from 15 to 50 euros via Biļešu paradīze.
Oļegs Tillbergs Returns to Riga Gallery with “Skaties sev acīs!”
Latvian contemporary art classic Oļegs Tillbergs has returned to the exhibition space after a two-decade creative hiatus with his solo exhibition “Skaties sev acīs!” at the Berga Bazar’t gallery in Riga, running until September 2. The exhibition is split into contrasting dark and light sections symbolizing the clash between past and present, utilizing installation materials such as wedding dresses, nails, and glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets for the Vanemuine Theatre guest performances at the LNO?
Tickets for the Vanemuine Theatre performances of “Maza lūgšana” and “Jūlijs Cēzars” are priced between 18 and 27 euros and can be purchased through Opera.lv.
What is the schedule for the Sinfonietta Rīga concerts at Zuzeum?
The chamber music series runs from August 27 to August 29 at the Zuzeum Museum, featuring violinist Vineta Sareika and pianist Reinis Zariņš on August 27, works by Engelmanis, Penderecki, and Brahms on August 28, and a family wind quintet performance alongside a Pēteris Vasks finale on August 29.
When and where is The Sound Poets performing in Riga?
The Sound Poets will perform at the Mežaparks Green Theatre on Saturday, August 29, at 19:00, featuring songs from their album Katram kuģim savs ceļš.
Where can I see Oļegs Tillbergs’ exhibition “Skaties sev acīs!”?
The exhibition is on display at the Berga Bazar’t gallery in Riga until September 2, marking the artist’s return after a two-decade break.
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