Richard Wagner opus in images Rienzi. Rise and Fall will open the European Capital of Culture Year in Riga at the Latvian National Opera on January 17.

Music Director and Conductor of the production is Modeas Pitrenas, Stage Director – Kirsten Dehlholm. Cast of the new production includes internationally acclaimed Wagner singers Torsten Kerl, Ursula Hesse von den Steinen, Elisabet Strid, soloists of the Latvian National Opera Raimonds Bramanis, Krišjānis Norvelis, Rihards Mačanovskis, and Armands Siliņš, Latvian National Opera orchestra and chorus, Riga Dom Cathedral Boy choir and dancers from the Riga Choreography School.

Notary to the Pope Cola di Rienzi stands up to the patricians, is loved by the people of Rome and becomes a Tribune. But power struggles are tough – he falls out of grace with his countrymen and the church, and is destroyed. Richard Wagner began composing Rienzi, his third opera, in Riga, the same work that launched the composer’s worldwide success. This new production emphasizes the connection that both opera and composer share with Riga – Wagner’s opus Rienzi will kick off Riga’s year as the European Capital of Culture. The production is organized by the creative association Hotel Pro Forma, which Latvian audiences will recognize from the multimedia productions Operation: Orfeo and War Sum Up. Audiences will hear music from Rienzi, as well as electronic music from young Latvian sound artist Voldemārs Johansons.

Further performances on January 19, 21, June 3, 15.