Today, September 1st, the first Riga Jurmala Music Festival ended. Over four weekends, more than 350 musicians—four of the world’s best orchestras conducted by top conductors Zubin Mehta, Mikhail Pletnev, Gianandrea Noseda and Susanna Mälkki, as well as brilliant soloists of different generations—came to Riga and Jūrmala.
The Festival included 20 symphonic and chamber music concerts enjoyed by more than 16,000 audience members from 50 countries. The furthest visitors came from countries including Japan, Argentina, Israel, Mexico, Thailand and Australia. Festival events were reported on by more than 50 media representatives from 13 countries.
“This festival is a great example of what can happen if you really want it to. I am pleased about this beginning, and I can already say that next year will be just as excellent. Thank you to all the musicians and the Festival team,” commented Petr Aven, patron of the arts and Chairman of the Festival Board, after the London Symphony Orchestra concert
“A year ago, I met with the founder and patron of the Festival Petr Aven, and we took on the challenge of artistic leadership of this new event. Teoday, I can say that what we have achieved in an unbelievably short amount of time has shown itself to be a great start. The beautiful Latvian countryside, the musical traditions of its culture, and this festival which took place in Riga and Jūrmala this summer, together create an unforgettable experience. Next year’s programme will be announced in the next few weeks,” adds Artistic Director of the Festival Martin Engstroem.
The final weekend was centered around concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. Soloists included pianist Seong-Jin Cho and violinist Vadim Repin, who performed on his birthday. Solo concerts were given by Salzburg Festival debutante Ying Fang, cellist Edgar Moreau, and pianist Lucas Debargue.
