Today, May 20, the Latvian National Opera (LNO) begins advance ticket sales for the opening event of the season 2013/2014 – the grand Gala Concerts celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Latvian National Opera building on September 5 and 6, 2013.

In the first part of the magnificent concert the spectators will be able to enjoy fragments from the best ballet performances by the principal dancers and ballet artists of the Latvian National Ballet company, continuing with the program devoted to the opera genre.

To honor the solemn event we will welcome to our stage world-renown opera stars from around the world that, before receiving world-wide recognition, have once begun their careers at the Latvian National Opera: Kristine Opolais, Aleksandrs Antonenko, Inga Kalna, Inese Galante, and Egils Silins.

The soloists, orchestra and chorus of the LNO conducted by Modestas Pitrenas, Martins Ozolins, and Farhads Stade will also participate at the concert.

Tickets for the 150th anniversary concerts of the LNO house can be purchased at the LNO box office (Aspazijas blvd. 3, Riga, Latvia), online, as well as in all Biļešu Paradīze trade spots in the entire territory of Latvia. Ticket prices: LVL 20 - 100 (September 5), LVL 8 - 60 (September 6).

The new building of Riga German Theatre (later – Latvian National Opera) was opened in 1863 according to the design by architect Ludwig Bohnstedt from St.Petersburg, erected near the city's canal, on the grounds of the former bastion of the city's fortifications. Although, through years various companies have performed at the LNO, the colour of the exterior and ruling powers have changed, the building in the heart of Riga has always remained both a remarkable architectural landmark as well as the epicenter of the cultural life of the city.