Three musical worlds meet in John Neumeier’s ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mendelssohn gives the court its sound, Ligeti takes us into the fairy realm and barrel-organ music brings in the artisans. The Latvian National Ballet adds the production to its repertoire this autumn, with a confirmed performance to book on 9 December 2026 at Riga’s opera house.
🗓️ A December date for your Riga visit
- When Wednesday, 9 December 2026 at 19:00.
- Where Latvian National Opera, Great Hall, Aspazijas bulvāris 3.
- Duration Two acts, about two and a half hours including the interval.
- Tickets See current seats and prices on the official 9 December ticket page.
The Riga premiere is on 27 November. At our 8 November check, the performances on 27, 28 and 29 November were marked sold out in the Opera’s November calendar. The December calendar links to tickets for 9 December.
🩰 A first Neumeier work for the Latvian National Ballet
The Opera’s season announcement identifies this as the first ballet by John Neumeier to enter the company’s repertoire. The work was created for Hamburg Ballet in 1977, with sets and costumes by Jürgen Rose. Shakespeare’s comedy is its starting point, with humour and dreamlike encounters carried through dance. See the official season announcement.
🎼 Follow the changes in the music
Before you go, keep the three sound worlds in mind. The shift from Mendelssohn to Ligeti can help you feel a change of setting, while the barrel-organ sound gives the artisans another character. You can use those changes as a thread through the evening, then let a gesture or a glance draw your attention to one dancer.
The production page lists a 75-minute first act and a 50-minute second act, with an interval between them. That gives the evening space to unfold. Read more about the music and creative team on the ballet’s official page.
🌃 Make the opera house your evening plan
Give yourself time to find your seat before 19:00 and plan dinner around the 21:30 finish shown in the calendar. If you’re curious about how a stage works, an English backstage visit is another way to explore the building on a separate date. Our Opera tour guide explains the public sessions and how to book.
🛏️ Stay in Riga for ballet and more
Put the performance in your calendar first, then keep a day for the city’s galleries, cafés or streets. Find a MIRO Rooms apartment for your stay.
Performance and ticket details checked on 8 November 2026.