XXIX International Sigulda Opera Music Festival offering an opportunity to listen to the greatest opera singers from Latvia and the world

From 28 to 30 July, the scenic Sigulda Castle complex (Latvia) will become a spectacular setting for an outstanding musical event – the XXIX International Sigulda Opera Music Festival, offering an opportunity to listen to the greatest opera singers from Latvia and the world.  The uniqueness of the festival rests in the fact that every year, within a relatively short period of 2-3 weeks, you can witness a staging of an opera production tailored particularly to the picturesque and historic ruins of Sigulda Castle. 

The Sigulda Opera Music Festival is a wonderful atmosphere for the heart and soul – balmy sunsets, scenic landscapes, and excellent music!

Festival programme

On Friday, 28 July, at 19.00, in the Sigulda New Castle Garden, the Festival Overture – Opening Concert, featuring Kalvis Kalniņš (baritone), Jana Lute (soprano), Dainis Medjaņiks (violin), Mikus Akots (guitar), Bruno Ančāns (trumpet), Ventis Zilberts and Ingrīda Grīnberga at the piano.

On Saturday, 29 July, at 21.00, the Sigulda Castle Ruins Stage will welcome a magnificent open-air original production of Charles Gounod’s opera “Faust” with renowned opera soloists. Olga Bezsmertna, one of the world’s most demanded sopranos, who has performed at La Scala in Milan, Salzburg, and Bavaria, and currently performs at the Vienna State Opera, will appear on the Sigulda stage as Margarethe for the first time. With Philippe Do (France), Rihards Mačanovskis (Latvia), Olga Bezsmertna (Ukraine), Jānis Apeinis, Ilona Bagele, Marlēna Keine (Latvia) and others. Conducted by Atvars Lakstīgala, directed by Edmunds Freibergs, stage design by Aigars Ozoliņš, costume design by Ieva Kundziņa and Evija Džonsone.

On Sunday, 30 July, at 13.00, the Sacred Music Concert will fill the air at the Sigulda Evangelical Lutheran Church. With Sonora Vaice, Romāns Teo Razgalis, and Ingūna Grīnberga at the organ.

On Sunday, 30 July, at 18.00, the spectacular Sigulda Opera Festival Gala Concert will culminate the grand event at Sigulda’s Castle Ruins Stage. Mihail Mihaylov (Bulgaria), Sandra Hamaoui (France/USA), Pierre Yves Pruvot (France) and Latvian opera stars Jānis Apeinis, Jūlija Vasiljeva, Rinalds Kandalincevs, Krišjānis Norvelis, Andris Lapiņš, Edgars Ošleja, Ilona Bagele, Dainis Medjaņiks (violin) will reach to the audience at this concert. Conducted by Vladimir Kiradjiev (Vienna). With the Festival Choir and Orchestra.

The International Sigulda Opera Music Festival is one of the most prominent annual music events not only in Latvia but also on the global cultural stage. It attracts audiences from all over the world and brings together the talents of both Latvian and foreign opera singers.

During the International Sigulda Opera Music Festival, the Sigulda Castle complex will also feature several art exhibitions, jewellery, and traditional stick-making workshops. In addition to the excellent concert programme, an exciting and attractive cultural offer free of charge will entertain festival-goers in the garden of Sigulda New Castle, and a special “Opera Restaurant” will serve its cuisine to the gourmets.

Tickets for the Sigulda Opera Music Festival are available at the “Biļešu Paradīze” box offices (www.bilesuparadise.lv)