James Sherlock to Lead LNSO in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and More

British conductor and pianist James Sherlock returns to the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) for a performance featuring Ravel’s La valse, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The concert will be held at the Riga Congress Hall on February 27, 2026.

Sherlock’s Return to Latvia

Having previously performed in Cēsis and Rēzekne, this marks Sherlock’s first appearance with the LNSO in Riga. He has recently debuted at the Danish National Opera and Norwegian National Opera orchestras, and has too conducted the Toulouse National Capitol Orchestra and the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra. James Sherlock is experiencing musical reunions this season, including with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.

Program Highlights

The concert program includes three significant works:

• Maurice Ravel – Valses nobles et sentimentales: This eight-part cycle, inspired by Schubert’s waltzes, was composed in 1911 for piano and later orchestrated. It presents a unique interpretation of the Viennese waltz tradition through a French and early 20th-century musical lens.
• George Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue: A cornerstone of American academic music, Rhapsody in Blue blends symphonic elements with jazz influences. Premiered in 1924, it quickly gained public acclaim.
• Edward Elgar – Enigma Variations: Composed between 1898 and 1899, these variations each reflect a contemporary of Elgar. The work’s enigmatic subtitle and the mystery surrounding its theme have intrigued audiences for over a century.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the February 27th concert are available for purchase at www.bilesuparadize.lv and at the Riga Congress House box office.

LNSO Spring Subscription

This concert is also part of the LNSO Spring Subscription 2026, which includes four symphonic music concerts at the Riga Congress Hall from January to April 2026. More information on the subscription can be found on the LNSO website.