Lohengrin – Johan Krogius (Finland)
Elsa – Vida Miknevičiūtė (Lithuania)

The State Academic Choir “Latvija”
The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Tarmo Peltokoski

The Cēsis Art Festival and the Cēsis Concert Hall continue the now well-established “Cēsis Wagneriana” tradition, this time presenting a concert performance of the powerful work by the outstanding German opera composer Richard Wagner – the opera Lohengrin. As always, the stage will feature an outstanding ensemble of soloists, the singers of the State Academic Choir “Latvija”, and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the brilliant Finnish conductor and passionate Wagner interpreter Tarmo Peltokoski.

Alongside opera diva Vida Miknevičiūtė as Elsa, the concert performance will feature the young Finnish opera star Johan Krogius, who will make his debut in the demanding role of Lohengrin.

Elsa, the daughter of the Duke of Brabant, is accused of murdering her brother Gottfried. Although her beauty and sincerity cast doubt on the accusation, King Heinrich decides that a trial by combat will reveal the truth. But who will have the faith and courage to raise a sword and defend the accused in battle? In a dream, Elsa envisions a stranger as her savior. A miracle occurs—a boat appears on the lake, drawn by a swan bound with a golden chain. In the boat stands a knight. He promises to defend Elsa and asks if, in the event of victory, she will become his wife. She must swear never to ask his name or where he comes from. Elsa agrees. The duel takes place. With a single blow, the knight defeats Count Friedrich. The couple prepares for their wedding and even manages to marry, but the evil Ortrud has sown a seed of doubt in Elsa’s heart. Unable to resist, she breaks her promise and asks the knight his name and origin. Betrayed by his beloved, the knight reveals the truth: his name is Lohengrin, son of Parsifal, a knight of the Holy Grail. Once his secret is revealed, he must depart. Before boarding the boat, Ortrud reveals her own secret: she had once transformed Elsa’s brother Gottfried into the swan. The golden chain binding the swan breaks, and a young man emerges from the river—he will become the new leader. Elsa rejoices at her brother’s return, but her beloved Lohengrin is already far away…

Preschool-age children will not be admitted to the concert.

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Concert supported by: