The Latvian National Opera and the patron of LNO orchestra BMW Group Baltic have agreed to continue cooperation in 2012 by signing a cooperation agreement.

"I am pleased that the patron of the LNO orchestra is set to continue the cooperation with the Opera. No artistic establishment can achieve and retain a high standard of performance based exclusively on enthusiasm: it also requires financial support. The LNO orchestra deserves that. Lately, our rapid artistic growth has been acknowledged not only at home, but in the international music market as well. The LNO orchestra consists of 98 educated people who love what they do and are in charge of musical instruments worth at least one and a half million lats. Their maintenance is expensive and the range of musical instruments also needs to be expanded and renewed from time to time. Thanks to the support from BMW, our orchestra already features a new piccolo flute, an English horn and a French horn, while a range of existing instruments are being renovated," says Andrejs Žagars, the director of the Latvian National Opera.

"BMW is proud to continue its cooperation with one of the greatest symbols of Latvian culture - the Latvian National Opera. Being a patron of the LNO orchestra not only gives us at BMW the opportunity to support the fine arts in Latvia, but also strengthens the presence of BMW in this important area of art. The BMW values - dynamics, innovation and aesthetics - make a great symbiosis with the values represented in opera and ballet performances. We are sure that the BMW representatives in Latvia and BMW Group Baltic together with the Latvian National Opera will offer an unforgettable experience of joy and excitement to everyone who loves art and culture," says Jan-Owe Carlsson, head of BMW Group Baltic.

The cooperation between BMW Group Baltic and the LNO began in January 2010 when BMW became the patron of the LNO orchestra.