Riga Opera, Latvijas Nacionālā opera

Opera traditions in Latvia dates back to the 18th century, when the first musical productions were staged in the Duchy of Courland and the first traveling opera troupes appeared in Riga. The city’s German Theater, which offered dramatic theater, opera, and ballet productions, was opened in 1782.

The official history of Latvian opera began in 1912, when the Latviešu Opera was established in Riga by Pāvuls Jurjāns. During the WW1, the singers evacuated to Russia. But in 1918, the company returned to Riga as the Latvju Opera, under the direction of Professor Jāzeps Vītols, the founder and long-time rector of the Latvian Academy of Music.

On January 23, 1919, the Latvian National Opera staged its debut performance: Richard Wagner’s opera "Der fliegende Holländer".

The Opera was built in 1863.

The famous dancer Mikhaïl Baryshnikov was formed here and danced many times on this opera's stage. Gideon Kremer and Maris Jansons also come here frequently.