Latvian National Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Centenary with Wagner, Garanca, and International Tours

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) is embarking on a year-long celebration of its centenary, featuring performances of Richard Wagner’s works, a concert with Elīna Garanča and Karel Mark Šišon, and international tours, including a visit to France. The anniversary program highlights the orchestra’s rich history and its commitment to both Latvian and international musical traditions.

Wagner and Peltokoski Launch Anniversary Cycle

The LNSO’s anniversary cycle will commence on August 8th at the Cēsi concert hall during the Cēsi art festival with a concert performance of Richard Wagner’s opera Lohengrin, conducted by Tarmo Peltokoski. Finnish tenor Johans Krogius and Lithuanian soprano Vida Miknevičūte will perform the title roles, with participation from the State Academic Choir Latvia.

Garanca and Šišon to Close Celebrations

The anniversary celebrations will culminate on October 25th at the Riga Congress House with a concert featuring Elīna Garanča and Karel Mark Šišon. The program will include Richard Wagner’s Wesendonck Songs, and Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony, with Garanča performing the mezzo-soprano part and Liene Kinča the soprano part. This concert is particularly significant given Šišon’s previous role as the LNSO’s chief conductor and his long-standing collaboration with Garanča.

International Tour and French Festival Appearance

From August 19th to 21st, the LNSO and the VAK Latvia choir will tour France, performing a new work by Pēteris Vaskas (premiered in April) and an oratorio by French composer Eric Montelbecki. At a festival in France, both the LNSO and VAK Latvia will perform separately, showcasing Latvian music and a symphonic program, respectively.

Additional Concerts and Events

The anniversary program includes a diverse range of concerts at various venues:

• August 28: LNSO, Mālers and Waltons concert at the Riga Congress House, conducted by Andris Poga, featuring violinist Franks Pēters Zimmermanis.
• September 10: LNSO and VAK Latvia performing vocal-instrumental works by Pēteras Vaskas at Riga Cathedral.
• September 25: Sofijas Gubaidulina’s Third Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with Baiba Skride and Kristina Poska at the Riga Congress House.
• October 8: A meeting of the LNSO, maestro Žan-Claude Kazadesi and Iveta Apkalnas at the Riga Congress House.
• August 29-30: LNSO summer festival at the Embassy of Latgale in Gor, featuring chamber music and a performance with Raimonds Pauls.

Support and Recognition

In honor of the LNSO’s centenary, a special anniversary stamp has been released, designed by artist Krišs Salmanis. Signet Bank is supporting the LNSO as its patron for three years.

Tickets for the anniversary cycle concerts are available for individual purchase, and an autumn subscription includes four symphonic concerts at the Riga Congress House.