Latvijas Nacionālā opera un balets

Latvijas Nacionālā opera un balets stands beside the Riga Canal and Freedom Monument in central Riga. Its neoclassical façade shelters the Great Hall, smaller halls, an orchestra, choir, and ballet company. Opera and ballet share a repertoire stretching from Baroque works to contemporary productions. The setting brings architecture and performance together within one of Riga’s cultural landmarks.

The building began as the Riga German Theatre in the nineteenth century and survived a fire that left only its outer walls. Richard Wagner served as Kapellmeister here from 1837 to 1839, beginning Rienzi during his Riga years. Latvian opera began performing in 1912 with Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, while ballet joined the repertoire in 1921. Reconstruction after 1990 added a New Hall, and the Riga Opera Festival has taken place here since 1998.

The Great Hall holds 946 people, while the New Hall provides a more intimate setting. Latvian singers Elīna Garanča and Kristine Opolais began their careers here.