Baltic opera gala brings top soloists to Estonia

The Baltic Opera Gala brought leading soloists from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the stage of the Estonian National Opera in Tallinn for the first time on Friday, ERR reported.

The gala launched a new annual cooperation format that will be hosted in rotation by the three Baltic countries.

“The Baltic Opera Gala became possible thanks to a cultural agreement signed last year between the national opera companies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania,” Estonian National Opera director general Ott Maaten said. He added that the agreement aims to expand creative cooperation and introduce audiences to the best of Baltic opera and its musicians.

The programme was jointly compiled by the chief conductors of the three opera houses: Arvo Volmer, Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and Ričardas Šumila.

Estonia was represented by soprano Kadri Raalik, bass Raiko Raalik and tenor Yixuan Wang. Lithuania was represented by soprano Gabrielė Bukinė and baritone Steponas Zonys, while Latvia was represented by mezzo-soprano Irma Pavāre and tenor Mārtiņš Šmaukstelis.

The Estonia orchestra and choir performed at the concert, conducted by Volmer.

The next Baltic Opera Gala will take place in Lithuania on May 8, 2027. The concert will be broadcast on ETV on Saturday evening and will remain available for later viewing on Jupiter.