VIII The International Operetta Festival in Ikšķile

The International Operetta Festival in Ikšķile is one of Latvia's most significant summer cultural events, enriching the country's cultural landscape with outstanding operetta and musical theatre performances for many years. Recognised and highly appreciated across Europe, this year's festival will take place from 9 to 15 August. It not only promotes international artistic collaboration but also offers Latvian audiences the opportunity to experience European-class performances close to home.

As always, the festival brings together outstanding artists from Latvia and abroad. This year, particular emphasis is placed on chamber-format performances, offering audiences a more intimate and refined musical experience. Instead of the traditional Grand Gala Concert and Waltz Evening, the festival programme features chamber concerts and a full-scale theatrical production, allowing audiences to discover the subtleties and emotional richness of operetta and musical theatre in greater depth.

The festival will officially open with the chamber music concert "PRELUDE" – an elegant and inspiring introduction to the week of festival events.

The opening charity concert, with free admission, will feature talented young Latvian soloists and musicians, creating an atmospheric bridge between classical chamber music and opera.

Performers:

Operetta Theatre soloists:

• Anastasia Dolgoņenko (soprano)
• Patrīcija Kozlovska (soprano)

Finalist of the 1st International Marina Zirdziņa Vocal Competition:

• Renārs Tomašickis (baritone)

Students of Emīls Dārziņš Music School:

• Darija Mižujeva (harp)
• Martins Heislers (marimba)

Student of Jugla Music School:

• Madara Stacēviča (flute)

At the piano will be the festival's long-time pianist Agija Ozoliņa-Kozlovska, while the concert will be hosted by Henrijs Kozlovskis, a singer and actor of the younger generation closely associated with the Operetta Theatre and its artistic development.

The programme will feature exquisite chamber music alongside some of the most celebrated opera and operetta arias, creating a festive atmosphere and introducing audiences to the festival's upcoming events. The exceptional acoustics and intimate setting of the church will provide a truly refined musical experience.

We also look forward to welcoming you to the following events of the VIII International Operetta Festival in Ikšķile:

14 August

From 6:00 PM – Outside Ikšķile Community Centre
CAFÉ MUSICAL – café, live music, and the opportunity to participate in the "My Taste" masterclass.

7:00 PM – Ikšķile Community Centre
MASTERCLASS – a theatrical performance about the legendary opera diva Maria Callas, starring Sonora Vaice.

15 August

From 6:00 PM – Outside Ikšķile Community Centre
CAFÉ MUSICAL – café, live music, and the opportunity to participate in the "My Taste" masterclass.

8:00 PM – Ikšķile Community Centre
I BREAK HEARTS… (Ich brech' die Herzen) – a staged chanson programme (Austria).

Performers:

• Gernot Kranner – vocals
• Kerstin Grotrian – coloratura soprano
• Frizz Fischer – piano

The festival is co-financed by the State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia (VKKF) and the Ogre Municipality.

www.operetesteatris.lv