From 27 December, the Latvian National Opera invites audiences to its much-loved New Year Gala Concerts, held this year for the first time with the support of Signet Bank. These festive events have become a cherished year-end tradition and will once again delight audiences with an outstanding musical programme and a distinguished ensemble of artists.

Under the musical direction of Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and directed by Elita Bukovska, the New Year’s Concert celebrates the most beautiful melodies of the “King of Operetta,” Johann Strauss, marking the composer’s bicentenary year. Featuring the soloists, chorus and orchestra of the Latvian National Opera, the programme promises a truly festive atmosphere and an inspiring musical welcome to the New Year.

Brimming with sparkling humour and melodic brilliance, Strauss’s waltzes, polkas and operetta melodies will infuse the evening with lightness, joy and dance-like vitality – just as befits a true New Year’s celebration.

“For many years, the New Year Gala Concerts have been a particularly joyful meeting with our audience, and the consistently sold-out events confirm that this affection is mutual. May the festive spirit of these concerts bring joy and positive energy for the year ahead,” says Sandis Voldiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.

“Each year, the Latvian National Opera’s New Year Gala Concerts are eagerly anticipated, having become a warm and beautiful holiday tradition – a moment when the passing year meets the one to come through the magic of music. For Signet Bank, this partnership is especially meaningful: we believe culture to be a source of society’s inner strength. By supporting the opera, we help sustain its power to inspire and to create a space where everyone can experience magic. May these concerts bring peace, inspiration and hope in the New Year,” emphasises Ineta Done, Member of the Board of Signet Bank.

The festive programme will feature opera soloists Annija Kristiāna Ādamsone, Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, Inna Kločko, Dana Bramane, Jūlija Vasiļjeva, Irma Pavāre, Mārtiņš Šmaukstelis, Raimonds Bramanis, Andris Ludvigs, Rinalds Kandalincevs and Rihards Mačanovskis, together with Latvian National Ballet soloist Kristaps Jaunžeikars, the Latvian National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Kaspars Ādamsons or Mārtiņš Ozoliņš. The concerts will be hosted by leading Latvian National Ballet soloist Elza Leimane and actor Jānis Grūtups.

The New Year Gala Concert will be performed seven times between 27 December and 2 January. A live broadcast will air on Latvian Radio 3 on 30 December at 7.00 pm, and the concert will be televised on LTV1 on 11 January.