Sounds of opera sigh over Sigulda

  • 2011-07-27
  • By Sam Logger

POWER OF VOICES: Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin” is the leading event of XIX Sigulda International Opera Music Festival.

RIGA - We are used to seeing many outdoor concerts which usually showcase the wonders of popular music. However, with so many holidays ahead, admirers of serious music can also find ways to enjoy the sounds they like. One of these is to visit Sigulda on July 29 – 31, where a major opera celebration takes place at the historic ruins of Sigulda Castle.
The history of Sigulda International Opera Music Festival, which has clearly become the leading serious music event in Latvia, is now 19 years old, proving its capability to attract both spectators and musical guests. It was in 1993 when Dainis Kalns, the creator of the Sigulda opera festival, invited Latvia’s serious musical artists, such as Inese Galante and Egils Silins, to Sigulda for the first time.

Since then the extent of the event has increased, and thousands of visitors have seen the performances of Russian, Mexican and Italian musicians next to Latvian artists. “I am happy that my interest in opera music has grown into a grand celebration of this art’s admirers, who arrive not only from Latvia’s cities, but also from Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Europe and many other countries,” says Dainis Kalns.

In 2011, when the festival has already reached maturity, it offers an interesting cultural program. On the opening day, July 29, talented Latvian pianist Liene Circene will perform, but the gala concert on July 31 welcomes world famous opera artists, including Slovakian tenor Pavol Breslik. A pleasant addition of the Sigulda opera music festival has to be noted in the form of concert ‘Mes pasi – siguldiesi’ (‘We ourselves – the Siguldans’), when the Latvian artists Zigfrids Muktupavels, big band Sigulda, Amanda Basmakova and Sigulda Youth Chamber Orchestra will be spotted at Sigulda Castle ruins on July 30. Apart from the castle ruins, visitors are invited to feel the power of sacred music at the Sigulda Evangelic Lutheran church on July 31.

Still, the central event of this year’s festival is Peter Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin” (sometimes also related as Yevgeny Onegin), directed by Yuriy Aleksandrov, on July 30. The story, based on the novel of Alexander Pushkin, tells about a young man, Onegin, whose arrogance and once-ignored romance turns against him. His destiny gives Onegin many challenges which he has to deal with – the rejected love turns out to be his biggest affection, but his supposed payback makes him lose a best friend.

To perform the relations among characters, an impressive casting list has been selected. The American Nathan Gunn, the megastar of the Metropolitan Opera, plays Onegin. The role of Tatyana is played by Latvian super diva Maija Kovalevska, another star of the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. Marija Gorcevska lives Olga’s part, with Yevgeny Akimov, the laureate of the Golden Mask, gets used in the role of Onegin’s friend Lensky.

Sigulda is famous for its golden autumns when the colors of the leaves make the town look like a colorful carousel. Yet, summer in the town is just as colorful, but this time, in the shape of visual and sound connections. There are probably no more exciting sights than those which appear from the heights of Sigulda Castle ruins. May it be the beauty of Gauja National Park or the size of Turaida Castle, the feeling is really outstanding. So, obviously, being put into a medieval sense and natural adoration makes serious music sound even better. And it is definitely a big plus for the festival.

Sigulda opera music festival is approved value in the musical environment of Latvia. The proof of it can be seen in the attendance and the guest list, yet the most significant reason to visit this festival is the enjoyment of the quality of serious music. Of course, it may be because of artists whose high standards are appraised around the globe, but the credit must be given to creators whose understanding in music is just as professional. There are moments when popular music needs to stay in the shadow, and it feels that this festival is the moment when serious music really moves forward.

Tickets are available on www.bilesuparadize.lv.