The Latvian National Opera opens the new season on September 7 with the world premiere of the contemporary opera Dauka by Latvian composer Andris Dzenītis.

The cast of the opera includes soloists of the Latvian National Opera – Armands Siliņš, Kārlis Saržants, Ieva Parša, Guntars Ruņģis, Gundars Dziļums, Andris Lapiņš, Rihards Mačanovskis, Kristīne Gailīte, Andžella Goba, Viesturs Jansons.

The Conductor of the concert production is Aigars Meri, the Stage Director – Ināra Slucka, the Artist – Katrīna Neiburga, the Choreographer – Elita Bukovska

As in the previous season, the LNO will continue the popularization of Latvian opera music. Andris Dzenītis is one of the most talented, multi-faceted and internationally successful new Latvian composers. The main character of his new opera is an archetypal hero forever searching for the end of the horizon, walking a path that forever runs through ecstasy and catastrophe. In this take on the story, Dauka is no longer a naive child, but an adult, who leaves materialistic society behind only to be met with unsurpassable resistance in his challenging adventures in the vast spirit world. Poet Kārlis Vērdiņš’ libreto is based on the classic children’s tale by Sudraba Edžus, interweaving modern timbral and textural discoveries with a viscerally Latvian feeling. Dzenitis’ composition Postludium. Ice, which is based on this opera, has been nominated for the highest musical award in Latvia – Great Music Award 2010.