According to Cēsu Mākslas festivāls organizers, American composer Leonard Bernstein’s operetta Candide will receive its Latvian premiere on August 15 at Concert Hall Cēsis in a semi-staged concert version directed by Mārtiņš Meiers. Featuring Great Music Award laureate Eduards Rediko in the title role, the production is staged in collaboration with the Dailes Theatre and explores Voltaire’s philosophical satire about maintaining hope in an unjust world.
The Creative Vision Behind the Cēsis Concert Version
Director Mārtiņš Meiers explains that the production utilizes a semi-staged format to prioritize Bernstein’s musical breadth over traditional theatrical staging. According to Meiers, this approach allows the concert hall to accommodate a larger roster of instrumentalists and a full choir, creating a unique sonic landscape that standard repertoire plays cannot typically support.
The musical text pairs Voltaire’s straightforward narrative with Bernstein’s intricate score. Meiers notes that while the original literary work reads simply, the musical arrangement introduces an emotional depth and irony that reflects the complexities of modern life. Inese Zandere provides the Latvian song lyrics, lending a distinct poetic resonance to the production.
Did you know?
According to historical legend, Voltaire wrote the original philosophical novella Candide in just three to four days. The text was swiftly banned upon publication for its sharp critique of organized religion and contemporary sociopolitical structures.
Casting Choices and Character Dynamics
Eduards Rediko steps into the title role of Candide, marking a distinct shift from his previous performances. According to Meiers, Rediko previously portrayed darker characters, such as in the production Puss in Boots (Runcis zābakos), but now takes on the mantle of an optimistic protagonist akin to traditional archetypes like the Latvian folk character Antiņš.
The supporting cast features Artis Robežnieks, Agate Grīnhofa, Ralfs Puzāns, Gerda Igaune, and Una Stade. Meiers selected the ensemble to deliberately challenge actors to step outside their comfort zones, noting that seemingly bright, idealistic characters in literature often mask deeper complexities and hazards.
Performance Schedule and Ticketing Information
Performances for the concert version of Candide take place at Concert Hall Cēsis on August 15 at 7:00 PM and August 16 at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Biļešu paradīze network, with prices ranging from EUR 20 to EUR 60.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for Candide?
The operetta features music composed by American composer Leonard Bernstein.
Where is the premiere taking place?
According to festival announcements, the premiere takes place at Concert Hall Cēsis during the Cēsu Mākslas festivāls.
Who directs the Cēsis production?
Actor and director Mārtiņš Meiers directs the concert version in collaboration with the Dailes Theatre.
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