The stronghold of Jurmala's cultural life - the large hall "Dzintari" - has opened its new summer season, its anniversary. This year, the legendary music venue celebrates its ninetieth anniversary!
First Closed, Then Open
A bit of history. On July 25, 1936, a concert hall designed by architects Viktor Mellenbergs and Alexander Birznieks opened in Jurmala. Today, it is a fully reconstructed indoor hall with four hundred seats.
The opening concert featured the Latvian Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leonid Vigners performing "Minuet in Classical Style." However, concerts also took place in the open area nearby, where on some evenings up to 30,000 people gathered!
From 1959 to 1962, under the guidance of architect Modris Gelzis, a new roof covering was constructed. This made Dzintari one of the most modern and popular resort concert halls in the entire Soviet Union. Currently, the summer venue accommodates 2,200 people (including the terrace).
Talents and Fans
The anniversary was decided to be celebrated during the opening of the current summer season. It was cool (unlike the following day when true summer suddenly arrived during City Day!).
However, the old-timers know the Latvian weather and the nuances of the big stage. Cold? They turn on the heating installed under the ceiling. And in the end, the great classical music warmed everyone up!
The Jurmala Festival Orchestra performed under the direction of Aivis Greters. On stage were the sisters Kristine Balanas and Margarita Balanas, who gained European fame in recent years (they performed a concert of Johannes Brahms), soloists Ilze Grevele-Skarain (soprano) and Richard Millers (bass), as well as the youth choir "Kamēr..." and the Riga Chamber Choir Ave Sol.
As expected, the cream of society was spotted. There were two former presidents of Latvia with their spouses – Valdis Zatlers and Raimonds Vejonis. To taste high art, the virtuoso who preserved the post of Minister of Health Hosam Abu Meri came, along with the returning Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis, and the multiple mayor of Jurmala Gatis Truksnis, who has been coming and going from the post of the resort's mayor since 2010. And at the end of last year, he was traditionally overthrown again. Also, as per tradition, the tireless politician came to Dzintari with his lovely elderly mother.
The intelligentsia was led by the legendary Alexander Vilyumanis with his wife Baiba, who was the chief conductor of the Opera in the seventies and nineties. He is 83 years old - his step is confident!
Political Art
Having warmed up with Brahms, some learned that the legendary hall has new management. Last year, the long-serving head Guntars Kirsis was overthrown, and Iveta Grigule-Petersone was appointed in his place. By the way, she is a very interesting personality.
While Kirsis had a musical education, Iveta is a true politician. It is enough to say that she is a former Member of the European Parliament. The salary of the new director is 4,125 euros.
Shortly before the season opening concert, a specially convened press conference presented the season program.
Let’s say right away that from June 2 to 7, Jurmala will be a true global center of opera music, as the 44th International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition for young opera soloists will take place at Dzintari. This is one of the most prestigious events in the opera world. By the way, entry is completely free - however, it is better to register in advance for a free ticket on the hall's website.
At Dawn, Voices Call
Traditionally, the hall's management will hold the annual "Jurmala Festival" in July, which will offer listeners a diverse concert program.
The festival will begin with the traditional concert "Sunrise" by organist Iveta Apkalna on Dzintari beach.
The festival will also feature the world-famous accordionist Ksenia Sidorova, originally from Latvia (who has long lived in Spain), along with a German saxophone quartet.
One evening will be dedicated to dance: an Argentine tango group from Spain will present their program. There will also be a traditional concert "Born in Latvia," where well-known Latvian opera singers Inga Kalna, Egils Silins, and Valdis Jansons will take the stage along with young talents.
The festival program will be complemented by the concert "Three Osokins," featuring pianist brothers Georgy and Andrey Osokin and their father, Professor Sergey Osokin. The Liepaja Symphony Orchestra will join the three Osokins.
The festival will conclude with the Opera Gala concert, featuring beautiful opera arias - among the soloists will be the renowned Zanda Švēde and Aleksandra Antonenko.
No Escape from Pauls' Music
Among the traditions is the concert of the 26th International Ballet Festival "Stars of Ballet in Jurmala" (early August), the program of which is curated by the head of the Latvian National Ballet Aivars Leimanis. He will provide an opportunity to see famous ballet stars on the stage of the Dzintari concert hall and get acquainted with the outstanding traditions of classical ballet.
The summer season will conclude on September 5 with a concert dedicated to the songs of Raimonds Pauls, written for productions at the "Dailes" Theatre. The concert will feature the Latvian Radio Big Band, a string ensemble, and vocalists from the "Dailes" Theatre.
Misha Maisky and His Children
We have only mentioned the concerts organized directly by the management of Dzintari, but the summer program will be supplemented by numerous evenings from other producers. We can expect concerts from legendary foreign groups - Gipsy Kings with Pablo Reyes, Enigma, Yasmin Levy, Roxette.
Classical music will be represented by the July concert "Elina Garanca and Her Friends," as well as evenings "Hits of Broadway Musicals" and "Strauss 200 - A Golden Evening of Viennese Music."
A special program has been prepared by pianist Inna Davydova and her German Brown Foundation, which will hold the Artissimo festival in August. In particular, at her initiative, the great cellist, Riga native Misha Maisky and his children (Maisky Trio), the Romani brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia (Romania), the chamber Orchestra Filharmonica Italiana, and Marco Albonetti (saxophone), as well as legendary taiko drummers (Japan) will perform. The festival will conclude with a gala concert featuring all participants.
The classical segment will also include a two-day festival of opera diva Inessa Galante's Baltic Awards, featuring the renowned German group FAMILIE FLÖZ (Teatro delusio) and a powerful gala concert.
In general, a brief Jurmala summer, but wonderful! See you at Dzintari.
Rhythms of Foreign Show Business
In June, Intars Busulis will perform with the "Subscription Orchestra," in July we can expect the Ukrainian humorous show "Diesel Show" and three evenings of Laima Vaikule's festival Laima Rendezvous Jurmala 2026.
And in August, a powerful concert will be charged by the rock cellists' group Melo-M, while Maxim Galkin will host two evenings (what demand!) and Vera Brezhneva will sing.
The old joke "No season without Kobzon" is now in the past - there is no season without Valery Meladze and "Bi-2"! Latvian stars will perform - Lauris Reiniks and the famous group Remix (singer - Rodrigo Fomins), celebrating their fortieth anniversary.
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