Other events in Baltic States

Managers of the three Baltic states' opera houses consider organizing outdoor performances as they prepare for a new season, Irbe Treile, a spokeswoman for the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, told LETA following a video conference of the heads of the Baltic opera houses. 

The video conference had brought together Egils Silins, board chairman of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet and board member Inese Eglite, Jonas Sakalauskas, director of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet, and Aivar Mae, general manager of the Estonian National Opera.

The focus of the talks was on how the Covid-19 crisis has been affecting the opera houses, their artists and technical staff, the overall financial situation and the schedule of shows. The managers of the three opera houses also discussed plans for the future and ideas for restating performances. Organizational changes are already being planned to reduce potential risks when the opera houses reopen to the public.

After a break of several months, rehearsals have resumed at all three Baltic opera houses following the Covid-19 restrictions introduced in each individual country. At the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, both opera singers and ballet dancers are rehearsing again and preparing their roles for upcoming shows. 

In preparation for the coming season, the three opera houses consider organizing open air performances already this summer. 

"In Estonia, up to 1,000 people can gather for outdoor events as of July 1, provided that all the epidemiological restrictions are observed. The board of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet hopes that after June 9 restrictions will be eased in Latvia as well. We are already seeking solutions for our artists to delight spectators with concerts outside the Opera House in the summer," said Silins. 

According to current plans, the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet will resume indoor performances in August, the Estonian Opera will reopen to the public in September and the Latvian National Opera and Ballet will perform the first indoor shows in October.