Various events and concerts in churches and concert halls are planned in Riga during the Christmas season, inviting both residents and visitors to the capital.
A week before Christmas, with the support of the City Council, a series of concerts will be held at Riga Dome for the enjoyment of the citizens and guests of Riga - on 20 December at 19.00 there will be a Christmas concert of the boys' choir with conductor Mārtiņš Klišāns, saxophonist Aigars Raumans and organist Aigars Reinis. On 21 December at 19.00 there will be a concert of organ music with Jānis Pelše, Ilze Barlo, Aija Ziņģīte and Līga Dejus. On 25 December, in the evening at 19.00, the Riga Dome will host a concert "With the Sound of Bells", featuring the bell ensemble "Primus", Monta Martinsone and Larisa Carjkova. Tickets for all these concerts are available from "Biļešu paradīze".
Advent concert series "Colours of the Seasons. Winter Lights" at the Ave Sol Concert Hall on 20 December at 19.00, the concert "Pikoties" will feature the women's chamber choir "Cantus", the woodwind ensemble "Cantata", percussionist Ēriks Miezis and saxophonist Klāvs Vuškāns, while on 21 December at 17.00, the concert "Starlight" will feature the mixed choir "Salve" with Aija Ziņģīte at the organ.
Events in the Tallinas Street Quarter, Kaņepes Culture Centre and parks
On Christmas Day, everyone is invited to morning parties in the city's neighbourhoods with the brilliant Ilona Bagele and Vairis Nartišs. On 23 December, from 11.00 until 11.35, the artists will perform at the Riga Zoo, from 13.00 until 13.35 at Ziemeļblāzmas Park, and on 24 December from 11.00 until 11.35 at Bolderāja, Stūrmaņu Street, and from 13.00 until 13.35 at Arkādijas Park.
On 21 December at 15.00, the attractive dixieland "Sunny Groove Dixie" will perform in Ziedoņdārzs, offering traditional winter melodies, new arrangements and unexpected surprises.
For three days and nights, the festivities will also be celebrated at Kaņepes Culture Centre, where on 20 December from 19.00 the programme "Festive Winter" will take place with a solo concert by pianist and composer Rūdolfs Macats, music by Jakob Noiman Festival Band and a fire performance at 22.00 by fire show architect and artist Kristaps Krolls. After 23.00, a specially created DJ set with Latvian tunes will start.
O 21 December, starting at 16.00, the musicians of the Latvian Radio Choir and their associates, under the direction of Kārlis Rūtentāls, will perform at the Kaņepes Culture Centre. On 22 December, from 12.00, there will be a masterclass on festive cakes and gingerbread icing for children. From 15.00 until 16.00, the cellist Pauls Ēriks Skujiņš will perform.
On 22 December, the fourth day of Advent, from 15.00 until 16.00, the concert programme "Silent Transmission" will take place in the Tallinas Street Quarter, with music by the mixed choir "Maska". At 19.00 in the fourth Advent, the concert "With Christmas Songs" at the Riga Dome will feature Elīna Šimkus, Vestards Šimkus, Jānis Kalniņš and Aigars Reinis, the Jasmīna choir and the mixed choir "Vēja balss". Tickets are available in the outlets of "Biļešu paradīze".
Annual charity event "Angels over Latvia" in Town Hall Square
The annual charity campaign "Angels over Latvia", which aims to help more than 312 children across Latvia to take their first steps, say their first words, get into school or receive help in emergency situations, will also take place in Town Hall Square at 19.30 on the Fourth of Advent.
The concert will feature popular bands and soloists - Dons, Rolands Če, Ralfs Eilands, "Kautkaili", Chris Noah, Intars Busulis and family - Emīlija, Estere and Lauris, as well as Sudden Lights and others. People are invited to donate on the websites of "Angels over Latvia" and the Children's Hospital Foundation, as well as in the donation boxes of "Jysk" and "Rimi".
On 22nd, 25th, 26th, at Torņkalns Church from 12.45 until 16.00, everyone is invited to visit the Christmas Garden in Torņkalns and the event "12 Holy Nights" to participate in a creative workshop, capture heartfelt moments in the photo corner, and feast on delicacies and snacks. The area includes environmental and installation objects, a stylized manger of Jesus, a shelter with creative workshops and other activities for families with children, youth, seniors, campfires, as well as 12 illuminated reflection stands, a place for good thoughts and gratitude, a fir tree park, etc. An open-air concert will also be held on Christmas Day from 13.00 until 16.00, with performances by the vocal group "Knīpas un knauķi", Paula Dundere, Kristaps Vanadziņš, Anastasija Vasilenko, the group "My Radiant U", etc. The environment is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. All events are free of charge.
On 27 December at 19.00 in the cultural centre "Imanta", the choir "Muklājs" will perform Christmas with the Petrauski brothers, with baritone Jānis Apeinis, Raimonds Petrauskis, Oskars Petrauskis. The concert will include both premieres and traditional Christmas melodies. Invitations are available in the box offices of "Biļešu paradīze”.
You can find out more about Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Eve events in Riga on the website www.kultura.riga.lv and by following the information on the Riga City Council’s social media pages “Rīga” and “Rīgā notiek”.
Information was prepared by: Ineta Miglāne, project coordinator, External Communication Division of the Riga City Council
Phone:, e-mail: ineta.miglane@riga.lv.