From June 1 to June 20, 2025, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet in Riga will host the annual Riga Opera Festival — a grand finale to the theatrical season. This celebration brings together top performers from across Europe and offers a rare opportunity to enjoy world-class productions, ranging from timeless classics to bold contemporary interpretations. 🌍🎤🎟️
Renowned for its international atmosphere, high artistic standards, and celebration of cultural diversity, the festival features both global opera stars and rising Latvian talents. Guests can enjoy a rich lineup of performances, guided theater tours, and special events that explore the history of opera in Latvia. 🏛️📖🎼
OPERAS 🎼🎭🎟️
June 1 — Flavio, re de’ Longobardi (G. F. Handel)
Libretto: Anonymous, based on the story of Lombard King Flavio.
This rare Baroque gem from 1723 stands out for its blend of heroic and comic characters. Handel crafts vivid musical portraits, exploring their emotional and psychological depths. 🎶👑🎭
June 4 — L’elisir d’amore (G. Donizetti)
Libretto: Felice Romani
A cheerful and touching tale of love, naivety, and a fake love potion that surprisingly works. It features the beloved aria “Una furtiva lagrima.” ❤️🎵🍷
June 6 — Salome (R. Strauss)
Libretto: Oscar Wilde (adapted by Hedwig Lachmann)
A bold, expressive score tells the biblical story with raw intensity. The “Dance of the Seven Veils” remains an iconic and provocative moment. 💃🩸🔥
June 10 — Macbeth (G. Verdi)
Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave and Andrea Maffei, based on Shakespeare
Dark, brooding, and psychologically rich. The witches’ chorus and Lady Macbeth’s arias are unforgettable highlights. 🧙♀️🖤🩰
June 12 — Les Contes d’Hoffmann (J. Offenbach)
Libretto: Jules Barbier, based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s stories
Each act depicts a different woman — fantastical, tragic, idealized. The score blends romance, fantasy, and satire. ✨📚🎭
June 15 — La Traviata (G. Verdi)
Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave, based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils
The moving love story of Violetta and Alfredo. One of Verdi’s most beloved and emotionally rich operas. 💔🌹🎶
June 18 — Aida (G. Verdi)
Libretto: Antonio Ghislanzoni
An epic tale set in ancient Egypt, with sweeping choral scenes, pageantry, and doomed love. 🏺🎺🐫
June 19 — Nabucco (G. Verdi)
Libretto: Temistocle Solera
Known for the chorus “Va, pensiero,” a symbol of Italian unification. A dramatic arc of tyranny and redemption. 🎶🕊️📯
BALLETS 🩰🎵🎬
June 5 — Antonija #Silmači (J. Karlsons)
Libretto: A modern take on Latvian literature
A blend of folk drama, national dance, and modern visuals — rooted in Latvian tradition. 🌾🇱🇻🎭
June 7 — Swan Lake (P. Tchaikovsky)
Libretto: Vladimir Begichev and Vasily Geltser
The quintessential romantic ballet. Riga’s production honors its timeless, classical staging. 🦢🎼👑
June 11 — La Esmeralda (C. Pugni, R. Drigo)
Libretto: Jules Perrot, based on Victor Hugo’s novel
Esmeralda’s story is told through vibrant solos and demanding choreography. A rarely seen masterpiece. 🕯️💃🏽🏰
June 13 — Casanova
Libretto: A contemporary retelling of Giacomo Casanova’s life
A mix of myth and history, with visual flair inspired by the Rococo era. 🎭🎩📜
June 14 — Nijinski (Chopin, Debussy)
Libretto: A portrait of dancer Vaslav Nijinsky
Explores his brilliance and mental struggles — a unique blend of dance and psychology. 🎨🧠🩰
GALA CONCERT — June 20 at 19:00 🎤🎼🌟
The festival concludes with a grand Gala Concert, featuring internationally acclaimed artists: Vida Miknevičiūtė, Liudmyla Monastyrska, Irakli Kakhidze, Zanda Švēde, Aleksandrs Antoņenko, and Liparit Avetisyan. Conductor: Maestro Mārtiņš Ozoliņš. The evening includes a selection of operatic highlights in one unforgettable performance. 🎶🎻👏
Where to Stay 🏨🛏️🚶♀️
Attending Riga Opera Festival 2025? Stay in comfort at MIRO Rooms — our designer aparthotels in central Riga:
Skolas, French, and Center (just a 5-minute walk from the Opera House). Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, with:
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Free parking (Skolas & French)
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Soundproofed rooms
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Stylish, cozy interiors
➡️ miro-rooms.com 🗝️🌆🧳
Good to Know 🗺️🎫📌
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Venue: Latvian National Opera, Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Riga
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Tickets: €20–€100 | opera.lv
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Tours: Available in Latvian & English
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Location: Walking distance from Old Town and major landmarks
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Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for the best experience
Whether you’re an opera enthusiast or discovering the art form for the first time, Riga Opera Festival 2025 promises unforgettable music, drama, and beauty — all in the heart of one of Europe’s most charming cities. 🎭❤️🌍