Estonian National Opera to perform in Latvia

  • 2011-01-13
  • By Sam Logger

ON THE ROAD: The Estonian National Opera visits Latvia, bringing its artistry and energy to the stage with three opera and two ballet performances.

RIGA - Demonstrating the solidarity of the Baltic countries, the Estonian National Opera will visit Latvia for five performances, from Jan.18 – 23. With the Latvian troupe heading for Tallinn, the big stage of the Latvian National Opera for five days will be fully under the control of Latvia’s northern neighbor. The Estonians will perform three operas and two ballets. The performances – acknowledged internationally – are all full of artistic energy, beautiful music and unforgettable experience.

The Estonian nights will open on Jan.18 with the fantastic ballet “Three Musketeers,” based on Alexander Duma’s novel about the brave musketeers, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and surely d’Artagnan. The plot reflects the novel’s major story line – cardinal Richelieu against Queen Anne and d’Artagnan’s reckless love for Constance, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting.
The main individual behind the scenes is David Nixon, the choreographer and stage director of the ballet. In collaboration with Northern Ballet Theater, where “Three musketeers” debuted in 2006, Nixon’s captivating music and sword fights, humor and romance moved to the Estonian Opera House, where the premiere was seen in 2009. The critics gladly describe its qualities. Telegraph & Argus in 2006 claimed “the show is a rip-roaring adventure that dads and sons will enjoy as much as mums and daughters.”

In the evening of Jan.19 the audience will see the romantic ballet “La Sylphide.” It speaks about the world of dreams, where we all are eager to fulfill our goals and find true love. It says that everything is possible if we follow our dreams – sylph.
In Estonia, the new version of the ballet debuted in 2007; however, the story of the ballet itself is a lot older. Created in the 19th century by a Dane, August Bournonville, the ballet became one of the pioneers in a more poetic approach to ballet – the ballerinas stood on their toes while wearing white, delicate skirts. Today the performance is staged following the orders of the artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet and probably the best Bournonville specialist in the world, Frank Andersen.

“Cosi Fan Tutte,” the opera that will be performed twice in Latvia, on Jan. 21 and 23, introduces a comedy-like story about two men who are persuaded to test their beloved ones, to see if they are faithful. While these men claim to their women that they have to go to war, they return in disguise to conquer their lovers.

Commissioned by the Emperor Joseph II, the opera was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Lorenzo da Pontes and, despite the success of their previous works “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Don Giovanni,” it received less acclaim, mostly because of its extraordinary libretto, which caused discussions of immorality.
The last piece of the Estonian National Opera’s road show is the opera “The Love for Three Oranges,” staged on Jan. 22. With a libretto from Sergey Prokofiev it plays out an adaptation of Carlo Gozzi’s comedy of the same name in an improvised masque performance.

The visit of any foreign opera house brings another dimension on serious musical understanding. It’s not just the sound that may be different – it’s the culture in general! If you think that the Estonian troupe is not exotic enough for you, then think twice! The Estonian National Opera offers quality in every artistic aspect – it is one of the reasons why the opera attracts globally known masters (David Nixon and Frank Andersen, mentioned above, are some of them). That’s not all – their commitment to serious music is appraised by international institutions, such as Opera Europa, which is the leading service organization for professional opera companies and opera festivals in Europe.

Find yourself exciting and international entertainment without leaving Latvia’s capital! Estonian National Opera days start on Jan.18!


For ticket information visit www.bilesuparadize.lv or the opera’s box offices.